Chapter 10
Below is a
painting done by Gabriel Metsu, and its description is the framework for this
chapter. The painting is titled Usurer
with a Tearful Woman, and like many other famous Dutch artists in the 17th
century, the paintings serve as “social commentary” or to “deliver moral
lessons.” In this painting, we assume the woman is at some sort of debt to the
usurer. As she holds a note in one hand, the usurer looks at her scornfully, as
it is likely she does not have the money to pay what is likely her husbands
debt.
It is also
very important to draw attention towards the woman’s purse. When first looking
at it, it simply appears to be a loose handkerchief or piece of cloth. But,
Metsu had some deeper meaning behind it, as you look closer it appears to be a
floating hand reaching into her purse. This shows the view of the usurer who
see that he can and will take advantage of this desperate lady. This painting
carries some relevance today, as America is almost now a society that places
more value on debt that we do on equity, causing a lot of economic heartache.
This reminds me a lot of my grandmother - it is very sad how the elderly are taken advantage of financially so often!
ReplyDeletePeople always take advantage of others - both in the past and the present. How sad life is.
ReplyDeleteIt's horrible that we see people taking advantage of the elderly or disabled community.This chapter is another example of Bloom's emphasis on how money can be harmful.
ReplyDeleteIt is awful to take advantage of the vulnerable. That being said, debt and financing has actually helped the economy grow exponentially, and there is a cost to this debt. There is a stark contrast, as debt can fuel growth, expansion, and success, but it can also be used as an instrument to abuse and steal from undeserving and unsuspecting people.
ReplyDeleteIt's really sad to see the elderly being take advantage of especially when they don't have the capability to stand up for themselves. They have contributed to much to our economy for all the years beforehand only to have money stolen from them when they grow old
ReplyDeleteThis painting makes me feel this woman's pain. A powerful representation of the rich suppressing the poor.
ReplyDeleteI believe the painting portrays the situation really well. The woman's struggle is in contrast with the avidity of the man
ReplyDelete