The Sword Smith
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Sword Smith
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 5 (further images / scripture text)
Description: In his shop, the sword smith discusses the sharpness of the blade of a sword held by a man standing next to him, while the man’s dog watches attentively. Outside two men with swords hanging from their belts stand along a tree-lined street. 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 Matthew 5:38-39.
Motto:
A lamb, that never shed blood
And doesn't carry a wolf’s scratch on its leg.
Poem:
He who wants to follow the lamb on its path,
Does not spend money in this shop,
For his enemy fears no sword:
And others, who show hostility,
He must reward with patience,
Like the Master preceding him.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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