46 Jacob Cats (1577-1660) – Eerlicke Vryagie (Honest Courtship) – Engraving (circa 1618-1632)
A moralistic emblem print set in a circular and square ornamental frame, featuring a young woman walking through a village or town square, holding a delicate, small glass flask in one hand. She looks down at the flask with a cautious expression. The scene, which takes place in an open area with buildings and a bridge in the background, is allegorical. This visual metaphor, with the fragile glass representing a woman's honor or chastity, is typical of the didactic works of Jacob Cats, designed to instruct young women on the need for extreme care and circumspection during courtship. The image is an illustration from one of his famous emblem books, likely the section Eerlicke Vryagie from a collection such as Sinne- en Minnebeelden (1618) or Spiegel van den Ouden ende Nieuwen Tyt (1632).
Jacob Cats was a highly celebrated Dutch poet, humorist, jurist, and politician of the Dutch Golden Age. Known to his countrymen as "Father Cats," he is most famous for his emblem books, which combined moralistic verses in Dutch with allegorical prints, often with Latin and French translations. His works, including Sinne- en Minnebeelden (1618) and Houwelick (1625), were immensely popular and widely read in the Netherlands for centuries, cementing his role as a key figure in Dutch literary and moral culture. He also held significant political positions, including Grand Pensionary of Holland from 1636 to 1651.
Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats
Dimensions: Approximately 15 × 12 cm (Image size); 20 × 14 cm (Sheet size)
Medium: Engraving
Date: circa 1618-1632
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.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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