XXXIV Rectum per dura carpit iter 1614

This 1614 engraving by Dutch artist Roemer Visscher depicts a saw being used to cut a large beam of wood. Titled XXXIV Rectum per dura carpit iter, the work showcases Visscher’s mastery of detail as he meticulously portrays the tools and process of woodworking. The image showcases a simple yet elegant style and would have been appreciated by audiences interested in practical knowledge and craftsmanship. The detailed representation of the saw, the wooden beam, and the surrounding environment provides a glimpse into the everyday life of a woodworker in 17th-century Holland. The artwork is housed in the Rijksmuseum and measures 137 mm in height and 188 mm in width.