VII Voor lichte eere lamme leden 1614

This is an emblem created by Roemer Visscher, around the turn of the 17th century, made using ink on paper. It's an engraving, a printmaking process which involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the image. Here, the hard, durable quality of metal contrasts with the delicate impression on paper, a transformation which gives the artwork its graphic impact. The print depicts three swords arranged in a triangular fashion, tied with a ribbon, with a wreath of flowers balanced on their tips. Engravings like this were produced in multiples, becoming accessible objects of knowledge and contemplation in an increasingly literate society. Visscher's emblems weren't merely decorative, but tools for moral instruction, prompting viewers to reflect on themes such as virtue and vice. This particular print speaks to the perils of vanity, suggesting that pursuing "light honor" can lead to grievous wounds. By understanding the materials and the making of this print, we can appreciate its broader social role. It's not just an image, but a carefully crafted object intended to shape thoughts and behaviors in its time.