LVII Alit non suffocat 1614

Roemer Visscher created this engraving titled "LVII Alit non suffocat" at an unknown date. The Latin inscription translates to "it nourishes, does not suffocate" and this emblem is part of a larger book, “Sinnepoppen,” a collection of moral lessons. Produced in the Dutch Republic, this emblem participated in a tradition of didactic art that sought to instruct viewers in ethical behavior. The image shows someone pouring liquid onto a fire, but instead of extinguishing it, the fire grows larger. The Dutch Republic was a burgeoning capitalist society, and this emblem speaks to the dangers of unchecked greed. Visscher seems to critique the values of a society increasingly focused on material wealth. He implies that greed, like a fire, only grows stronger when fueled by more resources. To fully appreciate Visscher's message, one might consult contemporary economic treatises, sermons, or even popular plays that reflect on the changing social landscape of the Dutch Republic. Understanding the institutional and cultural context is key to unlocking the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple image.