Bilder Jacob Cats (1577-1660) – Portrait of Jacob Cats at the age of seventy-seven – Engraving (1658)

Beskrivning

"Jacob Cats Out LXXVII Iaren." This engraving features a central oval portrait of the Dutch author Jacob Cats, depicted in a scholarly gown and skullcap. The portrait is surrounded by an elaborate border of frolicking putti holding scrolls that name various works from his literary career, such as Houwelyck and Sinn' en Minne-beelden. This print serves as the frontispiece to the collected works titled Alle de Wercken, published in Amsterdam by Jan Jacobsz Schipper in 1658. The composition was designed by Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne and engraved by Michael Mousyn, celebrating Cats' immense cultural legacy during the Dutch Golden Age.

Jacob Cats was a highly influential Dutch poet, jurist, and diplomat who achieved widespread fame for his didactic emblem books. His ability to blend moral and religious instruction with engaging verse made his work a staple of Dutch household life, earning him the nickname Father Cats. Professionally, he rose to the highest levels of political power, serving as the Grand Pensionary of Holland. His collaboration with artists like Van de Venne ensured that his moral messages were accompanied by high-quality visual allegories that defined the aesthetic of his era.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats and Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne.

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.