Allegory of imprudence, Joachim Beuckelaer
This panel was often interpreted as a depiction of the prodigal son, a pub scene or a brothel scene. The bold behaviour of the young man in the foreground, the bird's cage in the ceiling and various food items in the painting are an unmistakable reference to lust. The old, sleeping man in the background symbolises another vice: laziness. The work can be seen as an allegory of imprudence. The frivolous young man runs the risk of burning himself by the fire of his passion. The sleeper runs the risk of burning himself by the fire of the hearth.
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