XXV Wie wat weet, die komt het te pas 1614

This engraving from Roemer Visscher's emblem book, *Sinnepoppen*, was made around 1614 in the Dutch Republic, using etching and engraving. The image and accompanying text are intended to impart a moral lesson. This emblem is number 25 in the book and the motto 'Wie wat weet, die komt het te pas' translates to 'Knowledge serves the knower'. We see a person swimming strongly in a lake. The text next to the image explains that the ability to swim – knowledge – allows the man to save himself in times of need. In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, with its emphasis on trade and exploration, the acquisition of practical knowledge was a celebrated virtue. The *Sinnepoppen* provides historians with a valuable insight into the mindset of the Dutch Republic, one that valued learning and applied knowledge. To understand the nuances of these images, we can consult the abundant archival sources of the period. What do these images tell us about the culture of the Netherlands at that time?