Five tombs containing skeletons of historical exemplars of wisdom, war, beauty, strength and riches; an allegory of change, decay and death. Engraving after A.P. van de Venne, ca. 1655.
- Venne, Adriaen Pietersz. van de, 1589-1662.
- Date:
- 1655
- Reference:
- 26260i
- Pictures
- Online
Selected images from this work
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Publication/Creation
1655
Physical description
1 print : line engraving ; platemark 32.1 x 44.4 cm
Contributors
Lettering
Sic transit gloria mundi. Mors ultima linea rerum ...
Lettering on each of the five tombs. Top left: "Hier ligt K. Salomon des werelts wÿsheÿt". Bottom left: "Hier ligt Alexander de Grote des werelts krÿgs dapperheÿt". Centre: "Hier ligt Helena des werelts schoonheyt". Top right: "Hier ligt Samson des werelts sterckheyt". Bottom right: "Hier ligt K. Cresus des werelts rykdom"
Bears number: Pag. 490
Notes
Another engraving (Wellcome Library no. 26744i) includes a version of part of this picture: the kings examining the skeleton of King Croesus
Reference
Wellcome Collection 26260i
Type/Technique
Subjects
- DeathMythology
- Human skeleton
- Change
- Beauty, Personal
- Wisdom
- Ethics
- Military art and science
- Wealth
- Muscle strength
- Death
- Pride and vanity
- Netherlands
- Helen, of Troy, Queen of Sparta.
- Solomon, King of Israel.
- Alexander, the Great, 356 B.C.-323 B.C.
- Samson (Biblical judge)
- Croesus, King of Lydia, active 560 B.C.-546 B.C.
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores