Ruyne [graphic] / I.H.W.

Ruyne [graphic] / I.H.W.

Hollstein set title: Life of man
Folger set title: Theatrum vitae humanae

[Antwerp] : Excu. P. Baltens, [1577]

1 print : engraving ; platemark 210 x 274 mm

paper

The sixth age, from 80 years to death. A very old man sits slumped in a chair in the center of the image. The chair is inside a crumbling arched structure atop which sits a bearded, winged man holding an hourglass and a scythe. A skeleton holding the same items stands on the ground below. Detritus of ruined buildings, broken columns and other symbols of civilization (a book, a crown, a bishop's mitre, weapons and pieces of armor) are scattered about on the ground. In the background a person is escaping a huge fire.

One in a set of engravings representing the ages of man through the six orders of a classical column.

Hollstein attributes engravings in this set to Jeronimus Wierix, Alvin attributes it to Jeronimus' brother, Jan Wierix. Signature "I.H.W." on this print suggests that it was done by Jan Wierix.

Washington, D.C., Folger Shakespeare Library, 1986-1987. Time, the greatest innovator (catalog p. 90)

Hollstein, F.W.H. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings, and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700, vol. XLVIII, p. 88, no. 441
Alvin, L. Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre des trois frères, Jean, Jérôme & Antoine Wierix, p. 298, no. 1498

Belgium -- Antwerp.

ART Box V981 no.7 (size S)

206777