Portret van Joris Hoefnagel 1592

This is Johann Sadeler the Elder's engraving of Joris Hoefnagel. Above the Antwerpian artist, we see an intriguing emblem: a hammer driving a nail into a plank. The Latin motto, "Dum ex tendar," suggests "While I am stretched out." This emblem is more than a mere mark; it speaks to a deeper cultural memory. The image of a nail has long been associated with the act of fixing or securing. Consider the crucifixion, where nails were used to secure Christ to the cross, a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and steadfastness. Here, in Hoefnagel’s portrait, it suggests the artist’s commitment to his craft, enduring through challenges, much like the steadfast nail. This symbol resurfaces in various contexts, shifting in meaning yet retaining its core essence of commitment and endurance. It's a powerful image that engages us on a deep, subconscious level, evoking themes of perseverance and dedication. The nail, driven deep, represents an unwavering spirit, a testament to the cyclical progression of symbols throughout history.