XLI Hac mente laborem 1614

Roemer Visscher created this engraving, titled "XLI Hac mente laborem," as part of a larger emblem book. Emblem books were popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, combining images with accompanying texts to convey moral or philosophical messages. The image features a stone head beneath a ship's anchor. The title "Hac mente laborem" translates to "I labor with this intention." The message warns against the relentless pursuit of wealth, contrasting the contented life of a modest sailor with the insatiable greed of those who constantly seek more. Visscher critiques a society increasingly driven by commerce, cautioning against sacrificing contentment for endless accumulation. As the Dutch Golden Age dawned, the intersection of trade, morality, and individual identity became a compelling subject, “More and more winning: and there dying.” Visscher poignantly captures this tension, reminding us to consider the true value of our labor.