Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Amica Amanti Anima (A Friend is a Soul to a Lover) – Copperplate engraving (17th Century)

Beskrivning

This circular emblem illustrates a courtship scene within an interior setting, typical of the moralistic imagery popularized in 17th-century Dutch literature. The engraving depicts a finely dressed man and woman seated in chairs, engaged in an intimate conversation near a draped window that reveals a distant horizon. On the floor between them lies a pair of gloves, a common symbolic element in Dutch art of this period. Below the illustration, the page is divided into two columns containing moral and sacred commentary in Latin and French, citing classical and religious authorities such as Lucretius, Seneca, and the Book of Proverbs. This work was designed to provide spiritual and ethical guidance on the nature of love and human relationships through the combination of visual allegory and scholarly text.

Jacob Cats, often affectionately referred to as Father Cats, was one of the most famous poets and emblematists of the Dutch Golden Age. His works, such as Sinnewerck and Emblemata, achieved immense popularity by blending everyday domestic scenes with accessible moral lessons. Cats was a master of the emblem genre, which used a tripartite structure of a title, a symbolic image, and an explanatory poem to convey complex social and religious values. His influence extended throughout the Netherlands and Europe, as his books became standard household reading, celebrated for their ability to turn common experiences into profound reflections on life, marriage, and faith.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats

Dimensions: Approximately 24 cm x 17 cm

Medium: Copperplate 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.