Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Non Intrandum, Aut Penetrandum (One Must Not Enter, or One Must Break Through) – Copperplate engraving (17th Century)

Beskrivning

This circular emblem illustrates a moral lesson through the image of a spider in its web. The engraving shows a spider positioned at the center of a complex, radiating web spun across a stone window frame. Several flies are caught in the silk, while others hover nearby. Below the illustration, the page is organized into two columns of text. The left column, labeled Morale, features philosophical reflections from Seneca’s Agamemnon and De Tranquillitate Animi in Latin. The right column, labeled Sacrum, contains a religious commentary citing Augustine and a verse from the Book of Proverbs in French. This work uses the metaphor of the spiderweb to provide ethical and spiritual guidance, warning the viewer about the traps of vice and the necessity of either avoiding temptation or having the strength to overcome it.

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 observations with accessible moral lessons. Cats was a master of the emblem genre, which used a combination of a title, a symbolic image, and explanatory text 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 simple nature and domestic life into profound reflections on human conduct 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.