XLIX Principiis obsta 1614

Roemer Visscher's "XLIX Principiis obsta" is a 1614 engraving that captures the Dutch landscape. The print depicts a scene of a city and a canal with a wooden gate. It is part of a series of engravings called "Van de Sinnepoppen," which means "Of the Puppet Players." This collection of engravings are known for their satirical commentary on societal issues. Visscher's work, often considered a form of visual proverbs, uses the illustration and the text to provide a moral lesson. "XLIX Principiis obsta," meaning "Resist in the Beginning," highlights the importance of addressing problems early on, as neglect can lead to larger and more complex issues down the line. The simple yet powerful visual metaphor, paired with the text, makes the engraving a poignant example of Visscher's satirical approach to social commentary.