XXXI Dummodo prosim 1614

This is an engraving called XXXI Dummodo prosim, made by Roemer Visscher. It is part of a series called 'Emblems of Sinne'. Visscher was a merchant in Amsterdam, part of a rising middle class in the Dutch Republic. His collection of emblems reflects the values of this society, emphasizing morality and civic duty. The engraving shows a sea buoy braving storms; the Latin text “Dummodo Prosim” translates to “If only I may be useful.” This emblem encapsulates the tension between individual identity and communal responsibility, as the buoy sacrifices itself for the safety of others. Visscher presents a world where the individual is both a subject and an object of their community. How can a person use their strengths and capacities in service to society? The emblem invites us to consider our own roles within the broader social fabric, and to reflect on our commitment to the well-being of others.