L Quae nocitura tenes 1614

"L Quae nocitura tenes," a 1614 engraving by Dutch artist Roemer Visscher, is part of a series of illustrations that accompany his collection of epigrams, "Het Derde Schock". This particular engraving depicts a hand holding a fly swatter, referencing the Latin proverb "Quae nocitura tenes", which means "what you hold will harm you". The image, with its simple yet striking imagery, has been interpreted as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked power. It remains in the Rijksmuseum collection today.