Book Title: Spiegel van het menselyk bedrijf : in kleuren vertoond met honderd verbeeldingen, van ambachten, konsten, hanteeringen en bedryven, met verzen / Jan en Kasper Luiken.

Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712

Image Title: The Gravedigger: Whoever has presumptions, Look in this mirror

Scripture Reference:

• Psalms 90 (further images / scripture text)

Description: Under a tree, the gravedigger stacks skulls and bones against a stone wall. Behind him is a wheelbarrow. In the background, a cemetery is visible with mourners under a tree; in the far background is a building with a stork standing on its nest on the chimney. The Dutch artist and poet, Jan Luiken (1649-1712), was responsible for drawing this emblem and for creating the motto and poem that follow. Jan Luiken and/or his son Casper Luiken (1672-1708) were responsible for its etching. The attendant scripture text is Psalm 90:3. Motto: Whoever has presumptions, / Look in this mirror. Poem: This is the end of small and large,/ No small herb grows against death, /However it is fastened and sticks, it must detach here: / It is then best, yes by far the best, / To embrace virtue before all the rest, /It will guide us through death. (Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker).

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