XVIII Lof meulenaers acker by heeren poppegoet 1614

Roemer Visscher created this engraving titled 'XVIII Lof meulenaers acker by heeren poppegoet' sometime between 1547 and 1620. It's an image paired with text, a form of emblem poetry, that uses symbolic imagery to convey moral or philosophical ideas. During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a period of economic prosperity known as the Golden Age, which allowed for an increasing interest in luxury goods such as diamonds. However, this piece suggests a cultural critique of the rising materialism, particularly within marriage. The text indicates that diamonds were often given to the bride, as a symbol of steadfast fidelity. Here, Visscher inverts the symbol of wealth and status, suggesting that a millstone is more rare than a diamond. He states that "one may maintaine that a Milstone is much more rare then a Diamant." The poem questions the performative aspect of these displays of wealth. It suggests that true value lies not in material possessions but perhaps in more mundane, practical things. In a society that was becoming increasingly obsessed with appearances, Visscher seems to be advocating for a return to simpler values.