Element vuur als jonge man met bliksemschicht in omlijsting met ornamenten 1582 - 1635

This 17th-century engraving by Nicolaes de Bruyn, titled "Element vuur als jonge man met bliksemschicht in omlijsting met ornamenten," depicts a young man representing the element of fire, holding a lightning bolt and standing within an oval frame surrounded by elaborate ornamental details. The ornate border features a variety of mythical creatures and foliage, creating a sense of grandeur and emphasizing the power of the element. The work is a prime example of the intricate and symbolic imagery prevalent in Dutch art during the period. This small-scale print, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to de Bruyn's mastery of printmaking and his interest in the alchemical and symbolic representation of the elements.