Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Allegory of the Loss of Hair – Engraving (1655)

Beskrivning

This moralizing engraving depicts two seated elderly men, one of whom is gesturing toward his balding head while the other looks on in a shared state of reflection. The central circular image is set within a square architectural frame and surrounded by extensive printed text in Dutch and Latin, featuring verses from the section Liefdes Kort-Sprake. The composition serves as a vanitas-style allegory on the aging process and the inevitable loss of physical attributes over time, using hair as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. This work is characteristic of the emblem tradition of the Dutch Golden Age, designed to prompt philosophical contemplation on the passage of time and the human condition.

Jacob Cats was a celebrated Dutch poet, jurist, and politician who earned the affectionate nickname Vader Cats for his widely read moralistic writings. His emblem books, which paired intricate engravings with didactic poetry, were immensely popular across all levels of seventeenth-century Dutch society. Cats’ ability to distill complex theological and social lessons into accessible, everyday imagery made his work a cornerstone of the period's cultural and religious identity. His literary and visual legacy significantly influenced the domestic and ethical values of the Netherlands for generations.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats.

Dimensions: Approximately 39 cm x 25 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1655.

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.