XXXI Steeckt u in gheen gat of sieter deur 1614

"XXXI Steeckt u in gheen gat of sieter deur" is a 1614 etching by Dutch poet and humanist Roemer Visscher. The artwork depicts a leaping stag, a common motif in art representing strength, grace, and freedom. This particular etching is a part of a larger series titled "Het Tweede Schock", which explores moral and ethical themes. The stag's powerful pose and the text surrounding it suggest an allegory for the challenges and rewards of a noble life, inviting the viewer to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the image. This etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a prime example of 17th-century Dutch art, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the beauty of nature and using it to convey complex ideas.