Embleem met allegorie op voorzichtigheid 1681 - 1737

This etching, *Embleem met allegorie op voorzichtigheid*, was created by Dutch artist François van Bleyswijck between 1681 and 1737. The image depicts a female figure representing "Voorzichtigheit" (Prudence) holding a set square and compass and looking at a disembodied head. The scene is set in a coastal landscape with ships sailing in the distance. The overall composition suggests that Prudence is a key virtue, and the scene encourages viewers to contemplate its importance. *Embleem met allegorie op voorzichtigheid* is a fine example of 17th-century Dutch allegorical art, which often employed symbolism to illustrate moral and intellectual concepts.