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 Tanner: What does slavery help, As it would be best forgotten

Scripture Reference:

• Acts 10 (further images / scripture text)

Description: Outside, under a tree, the tanner scrapes the animal hide with a two-handled knife. A second tanner works behind him in a work shed; on a platform in the canal, a third tanner washes tanned leather by treading on it with his bare feet. 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 Acts 10:1-6. Motto: What does slavery help, / As it would be best forgotten. Poem: Although the skin is not good for eating, /It’s therefore not as worthless rejected: / Through diligence everything is made useful /Except the great yield of the souls; /That is allowed to scatter and be destroyed /Like rags, that one doesn’t value at all. (Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker).

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