Aarde 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this print titled Aarde, meaning Earth, in the 17th century. It allegorically represents Earth as a robust figure adorned with fruits of the harvest, holding a spade. This image reflects the culture of the time. The Dutch Republic was prospering through agriculture and trade. Personifying Earth in this way celebrates abundance and the power of nature. The artist's signature, followed by "cum privilegio," signals the importance of artistic property in the growing print market. The work’s classical style and allegorical content suggest the influence of artistic academies, which codified artistic styles and subjects. Understanding this artwork fully requires considering the economic and social values of the time. The Rijksmuseum’s collection, including prints like this one, preserves a visual record of cultural values.