Bilder Jacob Cats (1577-1660) – Bad to oneself, good to whom? – Engraving (1658)

Beskrivning

"Sibi nequam cui bonus?" This circular engraving depicts a crocodile on a riverbank with a rocky background, representing a moral allegory from the emblem tradition. The work is featured in Alle de Wercken by Jacob Cats, specifically within the Sinn' en Minne-beelden section. It was published in Amsterdam by Jan Jacobsz Schipper in 1658. The scene illustrates the crocodile alongside a small bird, often identified as the trochilus, symbolizing complex social and moral relationships frequently explored in Dutch Golden Age literature.

Jacob Cats was a highly influential Dutch poet, jurist, and diplomat who gained immense popularity for his didactic emblem books. His ability to combine everyday observations with moral and religious instruction made his work a staple in Dutch households, earning him the nickname Father Cats. Beyond his literary contributions, he held significant political influence, serving as the Grand Pensionary of Holland. His works remain a primary source for understanding the cultural and social values of the seventeenth-century Netherlands.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats.

Dimensions: Approximately 40 cm x 25 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1658.

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.