Acquired From: Leen Helmink
Colouring: Uncoloured
Condition: Fair
Confirmed: 4/10/2024
Date Acquired: 7/12/2021
Description: This series of four allegorical engravings, designed by Tobias Verhaecht and engraved by Jan Collaert II, was first published by Theodor Galle in Leiden in 1638. The accompanying Latin text, written by Laurens Beyerlinck, draws inspiration from Ovid's Metamorphoses, capturing the essence of the mythological epochs.n''Ætas Aurea (The Golden Age) ''nThis engraving represents the mythological Golden Age under Saturn, a time of peace, abundance, and harmony in nature. It depicts a utopian world devoid of conflict, where tools of war and agriculture were unnecessary, and the earth provided generously without labour.nLatin transcription: nPostquam regna senex coeli Saturnia haberet,nOmne malum tenebris alta tegebat humus.nEt secura novo florebant gaudia mundo,nPaxque coronatis vecta regebat equis.nNon clypeus, non ensis erat, sine vomere tellus.nEnglish Translation:nWhen the old man of the heavens, Saturn, held his reign,nAll evil was hidden beneath the deep shadows of the earth.nAnd secure joys blossomed in the new world,nPeace, borne on crowned horses, held dominion.nNo shield, no sword was there; the earth was tilled without the plow.nThis engraving and its accompanying text celebrate a harmonious and idealized past, emphasizing natural abundance and the tranquility of the Golden Age.n''Ætas Argentea (Silver Age) ''nThis engraving illustrates the transition from the Golden Age under Saturn to the Silver Age ruled by Jupiter. It captures the gradual decline of humanitys ideal conditions and the beginning of a more structured, labour-intensive way of life.nLatin transcription: nAst ubi Saturnus tenebrosa in Tartara missus,nTotus et invicto sub Iove mundus erat,nLubrica tum vicibus succedunt tempora certis:nEt gemit attrito vomere durus ager,nCondita mortales scrutantur viscera terrae;nRimantis varias caeca per antra domos.nEnglish Translation:nBut when Saturn was sent into gloomy Tartarus,nThe whole world came under the rule of unconquered Jupiter.nThen slippery times gave way to fixed seasons:nAnd the hard earth groaned beneath the scraping plow,nMortals began to search the hidden innards of the earth;nBlindly delving into various secret caves.nThe Silver Age signifies the end of effortless abundance. Humanity adapts to structured agriculture, labour, and the exploitation of the earths resources, symbolising the growing complexity of life.n''Ætas Ænea Bronze Age: ''nThis engraving portrays the transitional phase between the Silver and Iron Ages, marked by increased ambition, exploration, and conflict. While not as morally corrupt as the Iron Age, the Bronze Age represents a significant departure from earlier harmony.nLatin transcription: nTertia succedit soboles cui nomen ab oere.nTempora quae secum deteriora tulit.nHic vagus horrisono credens se nauta Ponto:nMercibus intactam pauperat Arabiam.nSignat humum trepidus sublongo limite mensor;nSanguinesque urget pectora Martis amor.nEnglish Translation:nThe third progeny followed, named for its bronze,nBringing with it times that grew ever worse.nHere, the wandering sailor trusted himself to the roaring sea:nAnd impoverished untouched Arabia with his trade.nThe trembling surveyor marked the earth with his boundary lines;nAnd the love of blood stained the hearts with Mars poison.nThe Bronze Age introduces exploration, commerce, and territorial disputes, reflecting humanitys growing ambition. However, these advancements come at the cost of harmony, as war and material greed begin to dominate society.n''Ætas Ferrea (Iron Age)''nThis engraving depicts the Iron Age, the final and most degenerate epoch of humanity in classical mythology. It highlights the complete moral collapse of society, characterized by greed, violence, and the abandonment of virtue in favour of power and wealth.nLatin transcription: nFerrea Progenies duris caput extulit antris,nInuehit haec mundo protinus omne nefas.nHorrida per cunctas errant incendia terras,nEt ferus admissis Mars agitatur equis.nVicta iacet Pietas, Virtus, Rectique decorum;nMox subeunt Fraudes, Vis, Scelus, Ardor opum.nEnglish Translation:nThe Iron Progeny raised its head from harsh caves,nAnd brought all wickedness immediately into the world.nHorrid fires wandered through all lands,nAnd wild Mars was driven forward with unleashed horses.nPiety, Virtue, and the honour of Justice lay defeated;nSoon came Fraud, Violence, Crime, and the lust for wealth.nThe Iron Age reflects humanitys complete descent into immorality. It is an era of war, greed, and exploitation, where societal values are entirely eroded, leaving behind chaos and corruption.
Engraver: Collaert II, Jan (1561-1620)
First published: Leiden: Theodor Galle, 1638
Image Size (cm): 26×19.45
Mapmaker: Verhaecht, Tobias (15611631)
Price: 1,260
Primary Category: Prints & Related Material
Purchase Reference: Ledger 2022. Email 13 Feb 2022
Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market
References: New Hollstein 1318-1321.
Sheet size (cm): 39×30.5
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1638, Fourth
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