Bilder Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – Allegory of the Dog and the Stranger – Etching (1658)

Beskrivning

"De hont die men een been ontnemt en kent geen vrienden" depicts a rural landscape within a circular medallion where a dog is aggressively defending a bone from a man. In the background, a windmill and a distant town are visible under a sky with flying birds. This etching was published in Amsterdam as an emblem within the work Saken van State, illustrating the proverb that a dog from whom a bone is taken recognizes no friends, serving as a metaphor for human self-interest and defensive behavior. The print is accompanied by extensive Dutch text and Latin verses that expand upon the moral and social lessons derived from the scene.

Jacob Cats was a highly influential Dutch poet, jurist, and politician who served as Grand Pensionary of Holland. He is best known for his didactic emblem books, which were immensely popular across all levels of Dutch society and earned him the nickname Father Cats. His writings focused on providing moral guidance on marriage, family life, and civic duty, often paired with sophisticated engravings to reinforce his lessons. Cats’ ability to blend popular wisdom with Calvinist morality made his works a staple of the Dutch household during the Golden Age. His literary legacy is inextricably linked to the visual culture of the Netherlands through the numerous high-quality illustrations commissioned for his publications.

Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats.

Dimensions: Approximately 39 cm x 25 cm.

Medium: Etching.

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.