78 Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne (1589–1662) – Afbeelding van’t Leven (Image of Life) – Etching from Alle de Wercken by Jacob Cats (17th Century)
This powerful allegorical etching titled Afbeelding van’t Leven (Image of Life) was created by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne to accompany the writings of Jacob Cats in Alle de Wercken. The image presents a man desperately clinging to a tree overhanging the abyss. Above him, a lion and a serpent threaten from the earth; below, a fiery hellmouth belches flames and a monstrous dragon awaits. The tree itself is being gnawed by rats or mice, while the man, oblivious to the danger, reaches for fruit—symbolizing transient earthly pleasures.
This emblem starkly visualizes the human condition: surrounded by sin, mortality, and temptation, man foolishly distracts himself with material indulgence. The moral message is clear—life is perilous, brief, and often blind to spiritual peril unless guided by faith and virtue.
The composition is deeply emblematic, combining memento mori themes with Christian didacticism, rendered in van de Venne’s precise and theatrical visual style. It was widely reproduced in Dutch Protestant culture as a tool of introspection and moral instruction.
Artist or Maker:
Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne
Dimensions:
18 cm x 13 cm
Medium:
Etching on laid paper
Date:
17th Century
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.
| Estimate | 2,000 - 3,000 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 25% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 60 SEK |
Dahlströms Fine Art
Kristinaplatsen 3
60231 Norrköping
+46 70 359 75 85
© Software Copyright 2025 Skeleton. All rights reserved.