The Blacksmith
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Blacksmith
Scripture Reference:
- Proverbs 3 (further images / scripture text)
Description: The blacksmith uses a pair of tongs to hold a piece of iron in the brick forge while working the bellows with his other hand. On the floor next to him are an anvil, a hammer and a large water bucket; in the background is a second workman. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing this emblem and for creating the motto and poem that follow. Jan Luiken and/or his son Casper Luiken (1672-1708) were responsible for its etching. The attendant scripture text is Proverbs 3:29.
Motto:
Spend thine industry
At the right time.
Poem:
The iron, glowing with fire,
Is now in a workable state;
Then it is time for fashioning:
O Man, work so thy heart,
At the right time of life’s glow,
So that regret will not disturb thee.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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