Book Title: Spiegel van het menselyk bedrijf : in kleuren vertoond met honderd verbeeldingen, van ambachten, konsten, hanteeringen en bedryven, met verzen / Jan en Kasper Luiken.

Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712

Image Title: The Cooper: If it isn’t closed, It leaks out

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 it isn’t closed, / It leaks out. Poem: The hoops of thoughtful living, / And the holy word given by God, /Must enclose the noble liquid of the soul, /Tightly in the human heart, /As otherwise the wine would drip out, / And leave man an empty barrel. (Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker).

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