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Allegory of the elements, 17th century
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Allegory of the elements, 17th century
Allegory of the elements. 17th-century artwork showing an allegorical scene depicting a central nude female figure surrounded by men engaged in occupations symbolising the four Aristotelian elements. An alchemist (left) represents fire, a fisherman (lower centre) represents water, a digger (upper left) represents earth, and a hawker (upper centre) represents air. This engraving is by the Flemish artist Johannes Wierix (1539-1620). It dates from 1601, and was accompanied by a short verse in both Flemish and French
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1600s 17th Century Alchemical Alchemist Alchemy Allegory Art History Chemist Countryside Digger Digging Distillation Apparatus Distilling Element Elemental Engraving Falconer Fire Fisherman Fishing Flemish Flying French Furnace Hawker Heavenly Labourer Muse Nude Nudity Outdoors Outside Scientist Symbol Symbolic Symbols 1601 Allegorial Hawking Johannes Wierix Lust
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 17th-century artwork, titled "Allegory of the Elements" transports us back in time to a world where symbolism and artistry intertwined. Created by Flemish artist Johannes Wierix in 1601, this engraving beautifully depicts an allegorical scene showcasing the four Aristotelian elements. At its center stands a nude female figure, representing the essence of nature itself. Surrounding her are men engaged in various occupations symbolizing each element. To her left, an alchemist tends to a furnace, embodying fire's transformative power. In the lower center, a fisherman captures water's fluidity and life-giving properties. The upper left corner features a digger immersed in earthy labor, signifying stability and grounding. Finally, an elegant falconer represents air's ethereal qualities as he commands his bird above. The intricate details within this monochrome print highlight both human ingenuity and our connection with the natural world. Each character exudes purpose and meaning as they contribute to the harmony of existence. Accompanied by verses written in both Flemish and French languages, this artwork serves as a testament to humanity's eternal fascination with elemental forces. It invites contemplation on our place within these cosmic realms while celebrating the beauty found in every facet of creation. "Allegory of the Elements" is not just an artistic masterpiece but also a window into history—a glimpse at how past generations sought to understand their surroundings through visual storytelling.
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