Jupiter waves a wand at a woman looking at herself in a mirror, while a travelling merchant of spectacles and a blind man walk by; allegory of the conscientious use of sight. Engraving by P. de Jode.

Date:
[between 1600 and 1699]
Reference:
27145i
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About this work

Description

The lettering tells us that Jupiter has three eyes, which give him advantage over other gods. In like manner, the mortal who uses his eyes properly has advantage over others. One of the men carries a basket containing spectacles. The eagle is a symbolic attribute of the sense of sight, and also connected with Jupiter

Publication/Creation

[Antwerp] : Vidua Ger. de Jode excud, [between 1600 and 1699]

Physical description

1 print : line engraving ; platemark 18.7 x 22 cm

Lettering

Visus. Iupiter hic oculis pictus tribus; haud malè: visu / Namque inter reliquos prævalet ipse deos. / Prævalet & visu reliquis mortalibus ille, / Luminibus fruitur qui sine labe suis. Corn. Kil. d. ; Pet. de Iode fecit.

Creator/production credits

The name of Cornelis Kiel (Kilian) appears after the lettering, indicating his authorship of the verses

Reference

Wellcome Collection 27145i

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