The Cooper
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Cooper
Scripture Reference:
- Luke 5 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Working outside, the cooper is about to strike the wedge he holds against the barrel hoops with his mallet. In the background, a second cooper is in the process of bending the barrel staves by heating them through a fire in the barrel; behind him lies a city canal. 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 Luke 5:37-39.
Motto:
If not closed tight,
It leaks out.
Poem:
The hoops of thoughtful living
And God's holy word
Must enclose the noble liquid of the soul
Tightly in the human heart,
Or otherwise the wine would dribble out,
And leave man an empty barrel.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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