signed and inscribed ‘ABloemaert inv./ WSwanenburg Sculp. et exc. m.d.c.x./ Bombycem [..] mori/ P.S.’ (in the plate) and price (?) ’10’ (verso)
engraving, watermark crozier in a crowned shield
26.2 x 18.8 cm
Hollstein 19, first state (of five), [1] Roethlisberger 118 [2]
A fine impression of the first state, trimmed outside the image but inside the plate mark, there is a horizontal fold through the centre of the sheet, but the sheet is in otherwise good condition

In this wonderfully dynamic print, Piety appears to almost crush Cupid beneath her feet, causing him to drop his bag and spill its coins. The Latin inscription beneath the composition, written by the renowned poet and historian Petrus Scriverius (1576-1660), sheds light on the meaning behind the subject of the engraving;

‘Detesting silk and the flowing robe, Piety is covered, teaching that pudicity is hidden. And despising worldly temptations and useless things, she turns to God and immortal goods. She studies the ten golden commandments that Moses brought from Heaven and everything that the sacred table presents. When at some point everything in the temporal world will perish, Piety will remain, the only one not to die.’ [3]

The print forms a pendant to an engraving showing Vanity, also after a design by Bloemaert, published a year later. [4]

[1] D. de Hoop Scheffer 'et al'., 'Hollstein’s Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts. 1450-1700. Volume XXIX. Samuel de Swaef to Jan Thesing', Blaricum, 1984, pp. 21-22.
[2] M. Roethlisberger,' Abraham Bloemaert and his sons. Paintings and prints', Doornspijk, 1993, vol. 1, no. 118, pp. 156-157, vol. 2, fig. 201.
[3] M. Roethlisberger, 'op. cit'., p. 156.
[4] See M. Roethlisberger, 'ibid'., no. 119, pp. 157-158.