Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Secret Love, Cough, and Money – Engraving (1630–1660)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts a moralizing scene centered on a young man in contemporary seventeenth-century attire, carrying a small lantern while walking through a domestic interior. In the background, other figures are visible through an open doorway, including a seated woman by a fireplace and a couple engaged in conversation. The illustration is featured within an ornate square frame as an emblem for the work of Eerlicke Vryagie. It is accompanied by extensive multilingual text in Dutch, Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian, including the Dutch heading Vyer / hoest / gelt / en heete min / En houd men noyt ter degen in, which provides a warning that fire, a cough, money, and secret love cannot be hidden for long. This work served as a technical plate within an emblem book intended to provide moral and social instruction through the combination of visual allegory and pithy sententiae regarding human nature and social conduct.

Jacob Cats was a highly influential Dutch poet, jurist, and politician who became one of the most widely read authors of the Dutch Golden Age. He is best remembered for his emblem books, which combined moralistic verse with detailed illustrations to offer guidance on marriage, household management, and child-rearing. His works, often referred to affectionately as the Father Cats bibles, were staple household items in the Netherlands for centuries due to their accessible wisdom and relatable domestic themes. Beyond his literary success, Cats served in high government offices, including as Grand Pensionary of Holland, and his contributions to Dutch culture solidified his role as a primary voice for the ethical and social values of the seventeenth-century mercantile class.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats .

Dimensions: Approximately 39 cm x 25 cm .

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1630–1660

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.