Jan Luyken, “The Uncertain Multitude”, c.1704

Jan Luyken (aka Jan Luijken) (1649–1712)

“The Uncertain Multitude” (aka “De Onwisse Veelheid”), c.1704, published in Amsterdam c.1710–28, as plate 38 (XXXVIII) on page 156 in “De Onwaardige Wereld: Vertoond In Vijftig Zinnebeelden, Met Godlyke Spreuken En Stichtelyke Verzen” (The Unworthy World: Presented in Fifty Symbols, with Divine Sayings and Edifying Verses), with letterpress text recto and verso. Archive.org offers an online view of this print in the context of the 1728 edition: https://archive.org/details/deonwaardigewere00luik/page/156/mode/2up,

My understanding of the verses accompanying this image (p. 157) is that those who seek only superficial, worldly pleasures ("earthly-minded heart delights") are ultimately misled and never fully attain true understanding or truth. In contrast, those who pursue divine guidance ("an infinity beyond all that can be thought") metaphorically rise above a world of illusions ("up to Heaven, from the Earth"). This suggests a spiritual ascent and a focus on higher, divine values beyond the material realm.

Etching on laid paper (full leaf) with letterpress Dutch text recto and verso.

Size: (sheet) 15.7 x 9.6cm; (plate) 8.5 x 8.9cm; (inner image borderline) 7.4 x 7.9cm.

Inscribed in plate with the artist’s initials: (lower right corner) “I. L.”

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression on a full leaf in an excellent condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or significant stains.

I am selling this small emblem print that draws attention to the man in the foreground burdened with superficial treasures in contrast to the pair of travellers in the distance walking freely, for the total cost of AU$170 (approximately US$110.99, EUR 95.23, or GBP 82.90), this includes worldwide express postage and handling. Please note that any applicable import duties or taxes imposed by the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer.

If you are interested in purchasing this tiny treasure of an etching, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

Note that currently there are no mail services from Australia to the USA. Consequently, at the moment I am unable to accept purchases needing shipping to the United States.