Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660), Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne (1589–1662), Jan Swelinck – The Game of Courtship / Amor ut pila vices exigit – Engraving (17th Century)

Beskrivning

This emblem from the section Eerlicke Vryagie ("Honest Courtship") features a man and woman engaged in a symbolic game of ball in a formal garden. The Latin motto “Amor, ut pila, vices exigit” (“Love, like a ball, requires turns”) highlights the mutual nature of love and courtship. The imagery and surrounding multilingual verses emphasize reciprocity: love flourishes only when both parties engage equally, returning affection as in a playful rally. The ball in mid-air becomes a metaphor for attentiveness, timing, and balance in romantic relations.

This emblem reflects Jacob Cats’s moral philosophy that love, though potentially serious, must be founded on respect, shared effort, and rhythm. The joyful, almost theatrical setting underscores this lightness. Adriaen van de Venne’s composition cleverly translates a social metaphor into an elegant scene, which Jan Swelinck then engraves with clarity and refinement.

Artist or Maker:
Jacob Cats, Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne, Jan Swelinck

Dimensions:
22 cm x 16.5 cm

Medium:
Engraving

Date:
17th Century

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.