Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Ex Morte Levamen (Relief from Death) – Copperplate engraving (17th Century)

Beskrivning

This circular emblem illustrates a moral lesson through the image of a shepherd resting in a rural landscape. The engraving depicts a man in rustic attire seated on a grassy mound, playing a flute while leaning against a large, weathered rock. In the background, a sprawling Dutch village with several gabled houses and a church spire is visible under a wide, clouded sky. The work uses the peaceful scene of the shepherd to reflect on finding spiritual consolation and relief from the anxieties of mortality.

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 achieved immense popularity by blending everyday observations of nature 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.