Emblems & Satire · 17th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The 1615 Jesuit print exhibits minor aging, with slight discoloration and faint spots. Edges remain intact, with no visible tears. It is well-preserved for its age, ideal for careful display.
1615 Jesuit Emblem Print: The Dream Depicts Love at Play
This striking engraving, titled "Den droom verbeeldt Dat Liefde speelt" (translated as "The Dream Depicts Love at Play"), is a rare piece from the Eerste Eeuwe der Societeyt Iesu (First Century of the Society of Jesus), a commemorative work published in 1615 by the Jesuit order to mark their centennial.
The print is an exemplar of early 17th-century emblematic art, a genre favored by the Jesuits to convey spiritual and moral messages through allegory. The central image portrays an allegorical figure wearing a feathered headdress, holding a child, and standing beside a tree in a dramatic landscape with mountains and a stormy sea in the background. The elaborate border, featuring cherubs and intricate scrollwork, reflects the Baroque aesthetic of the period.
The print was likely created by a skilled engraver working under the direction of the Jesuit order, though the specific artist is not named in the work. The *Eerste Eeuwe der Societeyt Iesu* was a collaborative effort, with contributions from various Jesuit scholars and artists.
The engravings in this volume are often attributed to prominent Flemish or Dutch printmakers of the time, such as the workshop of the Galle family or artists like Cornelis Galle I, who were known for producing religious and allegorical works for the Jesuits during this period.
The accompanying Latin and Dutch text, with lines like "Al dat de Liefde ienght met alle haer wijf sinnen" (All that Love hunts with all her five senses), underscores the Jesuit mission to educate and inspire through symbolic imagery and poetry. Published during the Counter-Reformation, this print reflects the era’s focus on religious devotion and moral reflection, making it a significant artifact for collectors of Jesuit history, Baroque art, or early modern religious literature.
Condiiton:
The 1615 Jesuit print exhibits minor aging, with slight discoloration and faint spots. Edges remain intact, with no visible tears. It is well-preserved for its age, ideal for careful display.
Tips on Framing and Matting Color:
Choose a dark walnut or black frame to suit its Baroque style. Use a beige or soft gray matting board to complement the engraving. Opt for acid-free materials and UV glass to protect the delicate paper.
