Drukkersmerk van Jan (I) Mommaert 1682

This anonymous engraving, dated 1682, features a printer’s mark for Jan (I) Mommaert, a notable publisher in Antwerp. The design incorporates two winged figures, each holding a torch, flanking a central tree. The figures are positioned above a serpent-like creature with an anchor, highlighting the nautical theme. The Latin inscription, "Post Tenebras Spero Lucem" ("After darkness, I hope for light"), provides a powerful message of hope and resilience, perhaps reflecting the complexities of the printing industry in this era. This intricate design, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, offers a glimpse into the artistic practices and symbolism of the 17th century.