Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – An Ass Bites the One Who Kicks Him – Engraving (1630–1660)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts a moralizing scene centered on two donkeys in an altercation, featured within an oval frame for the work of Eerlicke Vryagie. The primary composition shows one donkey biting the neck of another that is in the process of kicking, set against a coastal landscape featuring a distant town and small figures. The illustration is accompanied by a large block of Dutch verse and the heading Een Ezel die bijt / Die schopt of smijt, which serves as a cautionary metaphor regarding aggressive social behavior and the inevitable consequences of provocation. This work served as a technical plate within an emblem book intended to provide moral and social instruction through the combination of animal allegory and pithy sententiae regarding human relationships and 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.