High and Deep Grounds of the Threefold Life of Man (1660) - Page 5

A detailed engraving depicts a celestial vision from the Book of Revelation. At the top, seven lit lamps hang in a celestial arc. Below them, a throne rests upon clouds. It is engulfed in divine light and flames. The throne features a radiant triangular symbol representing the deity. Flanking the throne are two of the Four Living Creatures: a winged eagle and a winged lion. In front of the throne stands the Lamb of God. It has seven horns and stands above a closed book with seals.

On a lower bank of clouds, four figures representing the Elders kneel in adoration. They wear ornate robes. Some wear crowns, while others have placed their crowns before them. One Elder holds a harp. Latin biblical citations appear in the clouds near these figures.

The bottom section depicts the terrestrial realm. A skeleton representing Death, with large bat-like wings, stands in the center. He holds a scythe and an hourglass. To the left and right, people are shown in a landscape. This illustrates human life and mortality. A small box in the bottom left corner contains fragmentary German text.

Revelation 5:4

original: "Apoc: 5. v. 4." The verse refers to weeping because no one was found worthy to open the book.

Revelation 4:5, verse 8

original: "Apoc: 4. v. 5. vers. 8." These verses describe the lamps before the throne and the Four Living Creatures.

B. T Likely an abbreviation for "Beschreibung" (Description) and "Theosophia" or "Theosophy." Threefold Life of Man

Revelation original: "Apocalypse / Offenbarung": The final book of the New Testament. It contains the visions of John regarding the end of the world and the glory of God.

Lamb of God original: "Lamm Gottes": A symbolic representation of Jesus Christ. In this context, he is the only one worthy to open the seals of divine mystery.

Throne of God: The seat of supreme divine authority.

Four Living Creatures: Heavenly beings, often depicted as a lion, ox, man, and eagle. They represent different aspects of creation or the Evangelists.

Elders: The twenty four figures who sit around the throne of God in the heavenly court.

Death original: "Tod": Represented here as a winged skeleton to show the fleeting nature of physical life.

Remember you must die original: "Memento Mori": A common artistic theme reminding viewers that death is inevitable.

Mankind original: "Menschen": Refers to all human beings living in the temporal world.