4706 Jacob Cats (1577–1660), Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne (1589–1662), Jan Swelinck – The Aging Beauty Before the Mirror – Engraving (17th Century)
This emblematic scene portrays an elderly woman richly dressed, seated in her chamber and staring into a mirror that reflects not only her current self but also her youthful portrait on the wall behind. The surrounding verses lament the passing of beauty and the fleeting nature of youth, contrasting inner sorrow with outward luxury. Fallen leaves and a sleeping lapdog further symbolize decay and lost vitality. The work is a meditation on vanity, time, and the inevitable decline that comes with aging.
In this composition, Jacob Cats explores one of his frequent moral themes: the transience of earthly charm and the importance of spiritual constancy. Adriaen van de Venne captures the tension between memory and present reality, while Jan Swelinck’s engraving sharpens every symbolic detail—from the opulent fabrics to the lifeless stare in the mirror—into a potent allegory of human mortality.
Artist or Maker:
Jacob Cats, Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne, Jan Swelinck
Dimensions:
22 cm x 16.5 cm
Medium:
Engraving
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 | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 25% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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