Velde (II), J. van de (1593-1641). Complete set of the four elements after Willem Buytewegh

Four engravings, each ca. 19.5 x 29 cm, each signed "J. v. Velde", monogrammed "WB", w. the address of Claes Jansz. Visscher, w. 4-line verse and numb. 1-4 in the plate, titled "Terra", "Aer", "Ignis" and "Aqua", under passe-partouts. Very fine impressions on paper w. foolscap (2x), flowerpot (1x) and unidentified watermark, trimmed just outside/ to the plate marks. Prints 1 and 3 remargined; the 2nd w. sm. tear in lower margin; the 3rd print w. a few neatly restored spots. Occas. minor imperfections. In all, a good, complete set of these splendid views. Hollstein XXIII, 22-25.

For a detailed account of this series and the subject in general: De Jongh/ Luijten, Spiegel van alledag. Nederlandse genreprenten 1550-1700 no. 32 (p. 174-178): "'De werelt bestaet uit vier elementen, vuur, lucht, water en aerdem naementlyk heet, vochtigh, kout en droog. Uit de zelfde vier elementen en even zoo veele vochten bestaet ook de mensch, neamentlyk bloet, slym, geel en zwarte gal. Het bloet is gelyk aen de lucht, het slym aen 't waterm de geele gal aen 't vuur, en de zwarte gal aen de aerde.' Waarmee tevens de leer der temperamenten was geïntroduceerd en aan de elementen gepaard." (quote H.K. Poot). (total 4)