Four Elements

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Fair. Backed onto paper sheet

Confirmed: 4/10/2024

Date Acquired: 9/12/2021

Description: A series of the Four Elements after Hendrick Goltzius.n''Terra (Earth)''nA hunter with two dogs in a mountain landscape. Below the image are two lines of Latin verse: Hunc leporem ac reliquas pecudes Terra alma ministrat / In victum: atq suo tandem gremio excipit omnes. (Kind Earth provides the hare and other animals for sustenance, and finally receives them all back into her bosom).n''Aqua (Water)''nA fisherman stands at the shoreline with a basket full of fish in hand, gazing towards the sea. The background shows the ocean with boats and small figures in the distance. Below the image are two lines of Latin verse: Telluro humorem cognatum servato, in undis / Ludenti insidians pisci, pecudiq marinae. (Keep the moisture kindred to the earth, as he sets traps for the playful fish and other sea creatures in the waves).n''Aer (Air)''nA birdcatcher captures birds, which are described as "delights for the table," using various skills and arts. Below the image are two lines of Latin verse: Aere sub patulo volucres quae mille vagantur, / Mensae delicias, varijs capto artibus auceps. (In the open air, where a thousand birds wander, The birdcatcher captures delicacies for the table with varied skills).n''Ignis (Fire)''nA reflection on the indispensability of fire. Below the image are two lines of Latin verse: Vix prosunt homini quae terna elementa ministrant, / Ad victum, coelo delatus ni coquat Ignis. (Hardly do the three elements provide for mans sustenance unless Fire, sent down from heaven, prepares it for consumption).

Engraver: Anonymous

Image Size (cm): 12×18.5

Mapmaker: Goltzius, Hendrick (1558-1617)

Price: 454

Primary Category: Prints & Related Material

Purchase Reference: Ledger 2022. Email 13 Feb 2022

Technique: Copper Etching

This state: 1597