Emblem
by VENNE, Adriaen Pietersz. van de, Engraving
Emblems expound upon abstract concepts, objects, and even proverbs through a compelling and entertaining tripartite combination of image (pictura), inscription (inscriptio), and exegetical text (subscriptio). They enjoyed enormous popularity throughout early modern Europe.
The typical emblem shown in this picture is from “Proteus ofte minne-beelden verandert in sinnebeelden” published by Jacob Cats in 1627. The inscription is “Reperire, perire est” (To discover is to be undone).