4697 Jacob Cats (1577–1660), Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne (1589–1662), Jan Swelinck – The Dog and the Shadow / Res immoderata cupido est – Engraving (17th Century)
This emblem from Kunst voor Kracht illustrates a well-known moral fable: a dog, seeing another piece of meat reflected in the water, greedily snaps at it and loses what he already had. The Latin motto Res immoderata cupido est ("Desire is an unmeasured thing") and Dutch verses below warn against the folly of insatiable desire and the constant chase for “something better.” The hand offering the bait above and the anxious posture of the dog capture the tension between temptation and reason. The engraving aligns with the series' overall message of wisdom over impulse.
Jacob Cats, a major figure of the Dutch Golden Age, combined poetry and morality in popular emblem books that shaped the ethical imagination of the 17th-century Netherlands. Adriaen van de Venne, his visual collaborator, was a skilled artist known for sharp allegorical scenes. Jan Swelinck executed the engravings with crisp linework and careful detail, bringing the emblematic teachings to life.
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.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 25% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
Dahlströms Fine Art
Kristinaplatsen 3
60231 Norrköping
+46 70 359 75 85
© Software Copyright 2025 Skeleton. All rights reserved.