1617 Horse and Deer Engraving by Vondel – Warande der Dieren

About this sheet

Rare 1617 Vondel Engraving from Warande der Dieren – The Horse and the Deer
This exceptionally rare original engraving comes from the 1617 publication 'Warande der Dieren' (Garden of Animals) by Joost van den Vondel, widely regarded as the greatest Dutch poet of the 17th century. Published in Amsterdam by Claes Jansz. Visscher, this emblematic print depicts the fable '’t Peerd ende ’t Hart' (The Horse and the Deer) and combines detailed engraving with a moralistic Dutch prose explanation below.

'Warande der Dieren' was Vondel’s first major published work, containing fables inspired by Aesop and other classical sources, each offering moral and philosophical reflections for the reader. This print shows a dynamic hunting scene with a horseman spearing a fleeing stag within a richly detailed forest landscape. In the background stands a village with a church and trees, demonstrating the engraver’s meticulous skill characteristic of early 17th-century Dutch emblematic art.

The text beneath elaborates the moral lesson, referencing historical examples such as Marius and Sylla from Roman history to illustrate submission and tyranny, reflecting Vondel’s humanist education and the intellectual atmosphere of the Dutch Golden Age.

Printed in Amsterdam by Claes Jansz. Visscher, a leading publisher, engraver, and mapmaker of his time, the engravings from this edition are among the earliest emblem book illustrations in the Netherlands and remain highly sought after for their rarity and cultural significance.

Condition report:
The engraving is in good condition for its age with light age toning and minor spotting typical of early 17th-century paper. The impression is strong, and the text remains clear with no tears or repairs affecting the image or margins.

Framing tips:
For optimal presentation, this engraving would look elegant in a dark wood or black frame with a gold inner edge to reflect its period character. A cream or antique white mat will enhance the detailed lines and maintain a museum-quality historical display ideal for libraries, studies, or collectors of Dutch Golden Age prints.