Bilder Adriaen van de Venne (after) – Emblem XV: Fugiendo, non effugit – The Tortoise and the Burden of Self – Copperplate Engraving from Alle de Wercken by Jacob Cats (1726)

Beskrivning

This emblematic copperplate engraving, titled Fugiendo, non effugit (“In fleeing, one does not escape”), shows a tortoise slowly moving across a shore, its shell engraved with symbols and its gaze turned toward a sailing ship. Above, the Latin motto is echoed in the Dutch verses below: Mijn last is aen my vast (“My burden is tied to me”) and Als ick spring, soo waeght’t al (“If I leap, I risk it all”). The engraving illustrates the inevitability of carrying one's inner burdens—whether emotional, moral, or spiritual—even in flight or escape.

This emblem is drawn from Jacob Cats’ celebrated work Alle de Wercken, published in its definitive folio form in 1726. Each emblem was accompanied by multilingual verses (Dutch, Latin, French) exploring themes of virtue, love, duty, and restraint. The tortoise, often symbolic of prudence and constancy, here represents the inescapability of conscience or past choices.

The image was based on designs by Adriaen van de Venne, the principal illustrator for Cats' moral and emblematic publications. The engravings were executed by several artists active in the Dutch Republic, among them J. Swelinck, Wil. Hondius, and C. van Quiborne.

Artist or Maker:
Adriaen van de Venne (after)

Dimensions:
38 cm x 24.5 cm

Medium:
Copperplate engraving with letterpress

Date:
1726

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.