Aarde 1670 - 1726

"Aarde" is an etching by an anonymous artist from the Dutch Golden Age, dated 1670-1726, and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts a cherubic figure representing Earth, adorned with an elaborate headdress of fruits and vegetables. The cherub holds a shovel, suggesting the fertility of the earth. The etching's delicate lines and detailed rendering of the figures and landscape are characteristic of the period. This small print, measuring 71mm by 90mm, offers a glimpse into the Dutch fascination with allegorical imagery and the celebration of nature.