XLV Niet verder dan u ban 1614

This engraving by Roemer Visscher comes from a collection of emblems, or allegorical images, published in the Netherlands, at the beginning of the 17th century. The image and accompanying text present the idea that everyone, like the candle in the image, has limits to their jurisdiction, influence and capabilities. The image refers to social structures in the Netherlands, which, at the time, was comprised of different regions or jurisdictions called "Ban." The artist, in this case, refers to the craftsman (“Ambachts-heer”) who must know the limits of his authority. The candle’s light, like the craftsman, is limited and therefore knows its role in society. The emblem book was a popular genre at the time and served a social function, teaching morals and offering guidance in a time of social and political change. Studying these images can provide insights into the cultural values and social structures of the 17th-century Netherlands. You can delve deeper into these ideas by researching emblem books and social hierarchies of the time.