Acquired From: Leen Helmink
Colouring: Uncoloured
Condition: Good
Confirmed: No
Date Acquired: 3/2/2024
Dealers ID No.: 19297
Description: Since antiquity, the conventional belief in Europe held that all matter was composed of four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. These elements were often represented allegorically in art, personified by figures typically accompanied by symbolic attributes or narrative scenes. This set of four engravings by Jean Le Clerc was first engraved in 1600 by Adriaen Collaert (see link) after paintings by Maerten de Vos.nLe Clerc included his monogram AB in the lower right corner of the engravig depicting Air, while the excudit (engraved by) appears on three of the four engravings. While Collaerts engravings are framed in ovals with putti in the spandrels, Le Clercs versions are rectangular. n''Earth''nThe figure of Earth holds a cornucopia overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and grains in her right arm, while she lifts a bouquet of flowers in her left. A walled city, surrounded by more flowers, rests upon her head. Additional fruits and animals are scattered at her feet, while larger animals like cows, camels, and elephants graze in the verdant landscape, identifiable as the Garden of Eden. At the left, God is depicted leaning over Adam, who was made from the earth itself, gently holding his arm. This scene references Genesis 2:7: "And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth… and man became a living soul," underscoring Earths integral role in the divine act of creation.nKiliaans inscription enhances this idea, stating:n"TERRA parens, qua non elementum eft firmius vllum, In media mundi parte locata manet. Fert gramen, flores, laetas fert denique fruges, Et reliqua vnde animans vivere quoda queat."n("Mother EARTH, in which there is no firmer element, remains in the middle of the world. She bears grass, flowers, and finally, she bears joyful fruits, and all that which sustains life.")n''Water ''nWater is depicted seated among reeds, holding an urn and a large shell from which water and fish Water is seated among reeds, holding an urn and a large shell from which water and fish pour. This central figure separates two distinct scenes: to the right, a seascape with sailing ships, whales, and sea birds beneath a rain squall; to the left, a serene river scene with John the Baptist baptizing Christ at the River Jordan, above which the dove of the Holy Spirit descends. The inscription echoes the creation narrative in Genesis 1:2, 6, and 20-21: And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep… Let the waters bring forth the creeping creature having life… and every living and moving creature, which the waters brought forth…nIt also alludes to waters ongoing necessity for life, stating:n"Rerum AQVA principium, chaos, et fons est, et origo, Frugibus unde vigor Semibusque venit. Squamigeros homini pifces alimenta ministrat Et quo nauigis tranfeat, aptat iter."n("WATER is the beginning of all things, chaos, and source, from which vigor comes to fruits and seeds. It provides scaly fish as sustenance for humanity and prepares the path for ships to traverse.")n''Fire ''nFire is surrounded by a halo of flames. Holding thunderbolts and flames in his right hand, the figure of Fire is linked to the Roman god Jupiter (Jove), who is known for wielding thunder. A large salamander rests beneath his left foot, a creature once believed in ancient and medieval lore to live in fire. This connects to Saint Augustines use of the salamander in The City of God as an argument for the suffering of souls in the eternal flames of hell. The scene features a volcanic landscape to the left, while the right depicts the biblical story of Elijah and the priests of Baal. In this account, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume a soaked sacrifice. The inscription reads:n"IGNIS, seu flammans, coelo qui proximus, Aether; / Materia altisono fulminis unde Iovi: / Flammarum immodicus vi multa uritq[ue] necatque; / Ast modicus grato multa calore fovet."n("FIRE, or the blazing element, which is closest to the sky, the substance from which the lofty thunderbolt of Jupiter originates: It both burns excessively with the force of flames and provides much warmth in moderation with pleasing heat.")n''Air''nAir is depicted seated upon clouds, with her hair flowing upwards into more clouds. She holds a Air is depicted seated upon clouds, her hair flowing upwards into more clouds. She holds a chameleon in her right hand, a creature believed to live solely on air. Birds soar above her, while in the background to the right, the Resurrection of Christ unfolds, with Christ rising from the tomb, surrounded by awe-struck soldiers. Kiliaans inscription acknowledges the dynamic nature of Air, stating:n"Mobilis et rerum per cuncta meabilis AER, Afflatu alituum promouet omne genus: Commotus nimbos tempestates que minatur, Tranquillus terris aequoribusque fauet."n("The mobile and permeable AIR, nourishing every kind through the breath of winds, When stirred, threatens with clouds and storms, while when calm, it favors the lands and seas.")
Engraver: Le Clerc, Jean (ca.1560-ca.1621)
First published: Antwerp: Adriaen Collaert, 1600
Image Size (cm): 13.2/13.4 x 18
Mapmaker: Collaert, Adriaen (1560-1618)
Notes: Purchase details
Other states: First 1600
Price: 2775
Primary Category: Prints & Related Material
Purchase Reference: Ledger
Rarity: R1 Extremely rare – occasionally seen on the market
References: New Hollstein (The Collaert Dynasty), 1282-1285.
Sheet size (cm): 19.2/19.5 x 27.3/27.5
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1602
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