Adriaen Collaert, “Middle Age Under the Influence of Mars”, 1581, after Maarten de Vos

Adriaen Collaert (circa 1560–1618)

“Middle Age Under the Influence of Mars” (also known as “Middelbare leeftijd onder invloed van Mars”), 1581

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper with full margins as published. This is plate 5 in the series of eight engravings (including the title plate) titled “Septem Planetæ” (aka “The Seven Planets and Seven Ages”; “De zeven planeten en zeven leeftijden”; “Septem planetae, septem hominis”), illustrating the astrological power of the seven planets over the corresponding seven stages of human life. The work is engraved after a composition by Maerten de Vos (1532–1602) and was published in Antwerp by Gerard de Jode (1516/17–1591).

This representation of Mars as the mythological God of War moves far beyond conventional battle attributes like armour, shields, and weaponry. It introduces a deeper allegorical layer, framing Mars as a personification of the ideal traits of a mature man in his prime: physical strength perfectly balanced by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment.

The Latin couplet below the image highlights that true strength (fortis) is useless without foresight (providus) and sound judgment (discretio). In the Renaissance view of life cycles, the fifth age (roughly ages 40 to 50) is the pinnacle of human capability, wherein physical power matches intellectual maturity.

The engraving is a crisp impression with a slightly silvery tone. Aside from minor handling marks confined to the outer margins, the sheet remains in excellent condition—clean, structurally sound, and completely free from tears, folds, abrasions, or significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 36.4 x 25.3 cm
• Platemark: 30.3 x 22.3 cm
• Image borderline: 28.8 x 22.1 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Within the image borderline: (upper edge) “MARS”; (lower right) “DISCRETIO”
• Below the image borderline: (centre) “Fit DISCRETIO prudens quinta ætate virili / Prouidus et fortis MARS quibus usque valet” (Translation: “Prudent discernment develops during the fifth age of manhood, by which a foresightful and courageous Mars prevails everywhere.”); (right of centre) “5”

References:

• Hollstein (Maarten de Vos) 1370
• New Hollstein (De Jode dynasty: Gherard) 639
• The British Museum: Museum Number 1862,0712.325 —  https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1862-0712-325
• The Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-1981-68 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200175205.

Price & Shipping:

AU$336 (approximately US$234.46 / €206.56 / £176.72), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare, symbol-rich Master Engraving—completed just 17 years after the passing of Michelangelo—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly prepare and send a PayPal invoice for a secure and straightforward transaction.

This print has been sold