Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Allegory of the Man Cutting Off His Nose – Engraving (1655)

Beskrivning

This moralizing engraving depicts a seated gentleman in seventeenth-century attire holding a knife to his own face, illustrating the Dutch proverb regarding one who "cuts off his nose to spite his face." The central circular image is integrated into a printed page titled Huyselicke Saken (Household Matters) and is accompanied by extensive Dutch verses that provide ethical commentary on self-destructive behavior and irrationality. This work is characteristic of the emblem tradition of the Dutch Golden Age, utilizing domestic metaphors and satirical imagery to convey profound social and psychological lessons to a wide contemporary audience.

Jacob Cats was a celebrated Dutch poet, jurist, and politician who earned the affectionate nickname Vader Cats (Father 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.