The Rope Walker
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Rope Walker
Scripture Reference:
- 1 Corinthians 1 (further images / scripture text)
Description: The rope walker walks backwards while twisting the hemp that is wrapped around his waist; in the background left, several workmen make a cable. 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 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Motto:
The walking is bad,
But the work is right.
Poem:
The wrong walking of the pious man,
In the eye of him, who doesn’t understand,
Serves nevertheless a good trade,
Which in a storm stands in good stead;
Then life’s ship remains secure
On its twisted cables.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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Rights Status: No Copyright - United States
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