Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Child-Rearing: Go to the Ant, Sluggard – Engraving (Circa 1632)

Beskrivning

This engraving is a moralistic illustration, or emblem, titled "Kinder-Opvoeding" (Child-Rearing). The image, set within an ornate cartouche, depicts a stern, standing adult figure holding a rake, forcefully urging a slouched and idle youth forward in a rural landscape near a tree and a small anthill. This visual moral lesson contrasts hard work (the ant/adult) with laziness (the youth), reflecting the didactic nature of the surrounding Dutch text. The plate originates from Jacob Cats's highly popular emblem book, Spiegel van den Ouden en Nieuwen Tydt (Mirror of the Old and New Time).

Jacob Cats was a Dutch poet, diplomat, and statesman, known affectionately as "Father Cats" among the Dutch bourgeoisie. His didactic and moralistic emblem books, filled with proverbs and advice on domestic life and child-rearing, were among the most widely read and influential publications in the Netherlands during the 17th century.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats

Dimensions: Approximately 26 × 20 cm

Medium: Engraving

Date: Circa 1632

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.