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 Pearl Borer: oh Nimble merchant, search and bid For the pearl, named Jesus

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 7 (further images / scripture text)

Description: In his workshop, the pearl borer uses a drill-bore to drill holes in pearls. At the entrance to a second room, two men examine pearls in a small bowl. 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 7:6. Motto: oh Nimble merchant, search and bid / For the pearl, named Jesus. Poem: An invaluable treasure /Lies under the simple devout life, / Like the beautiful pearl, /That is surrounded by an oyster: /When the outside falls off through death, / He is revealed in God’s light. (Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker).

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