L Galathea wacht u wel 1614

This engraving, “L Galathea wacht u wel”, was created by Roemer Visscher around the turn of the 17th century. It's found within the pages of a book, pairing an image with a block of text. The artwork illustrates a fable, the story of a copper pot attempting to persuade an earthenware pot to keep company, so that they would both be better protected. The earthen pot refuses, stating that it would rather ‘flee into pieces’ than cause any harm to the copper pot. Through this tale, Visscher appears to comment on the social dynamics of his time. "Galathea wacht u wel" is taken from a love song written by the eminent Dutch poet Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft. There is an emotional core to this piece, it explores themes of protection, class, and the acknowledgement of one's place within society. The humbleness of the earthenware pot speaks to the way society was structured. It maintains traditional social representations while prompting a deeper reflection on personal worth.