Le Goust (Taste) - Abraham Bosse

An allegorical etching by Abraham Bosse representing the sense of taste through a detailed seventeenth-century dining scene.

This etching by Abraham Bosse, titled Le Goust (Taste), belongs to a series depicting the five senses. Bosse, a French printmaker known for his technical precision and documentation of seventeenth-century social customs, captures a domestic interior scene that functions as an allegory. The composition is framed by heavy drapery and architectural elements, creating a stage-like environment where the figures interact with their surroundings.

At the centre of the image, a man and a woman are seated at a table, engaged in the act of dining. The man holds a glass to his lips, while the woman reaches towards a dish, embodying the sense of taste. A servant stands to the left, and another figure presents a platter, illustrating the service and preparation involved in such a meal. A small dog occupies the foreground, adding a touch of domestic realism to the scene. The background features a tapestry or wall hanging depicting a hunting party, which provides a sense of depth and narrative context to the interior.

Bosse employs fine, controlled lines to define the textures of the clothing, the tablecloth, and the architectural details. The use of cross-hatching creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, typical of the period's printmaking techniques. Below the main image, Latin and French inscriptions provide a moralising commentary on the nature of taste and indulgence. This work offers a view into the lifestyle of the French bourgeoisie during the mid-seventeenth century, reflecting the period's interest in categorising human experience through allegorical representation. The print is a fine example of Bosse's ability to combine technical skill with social observation, providing a window into the domestic habits and material culture of his time.