PREFACE.

[...ing]: but let us not stir up that muddy pool: but rather move on to a fragrant garden original: "Lufthof," literally a pleasure garden or "air-garden." full of sweet-smelling flowers.

Who is unaware of the impression that the edifying printed illustrations original: "Prentverbeeldingen" by the famous Master of the etching art etching artEtskonst: the technique of using acid to bite designs into a metal plate for printing., JAN LUIKEN, have made on many? What art connoisseur does not stand enraptured when contemplating his works with attention and judgment, in which, through small figures drawn with a light and steady hand, a thousand wonders present themselves to the eye? Everything required for art flows into them: such as meaningful invention original: "Vinding," referring to the artist's creative conceptualization., clever grouping original: "Koppeling," or composition, and the graceful proportions of the figures, natural movements, powerful passions, authentic clothing and customs of nations, excellent buildings, animals, and delightful landscapes, as well as a beautiful balance of light and shadow, without forced artificiality.

Let no one think that we bestow this praise upon him from ourselves alone; not at all: we speak from the mouths of artists and lovers of art The term Liefhebbers refers to connoisseurs or collectors of the period. who have long since granted him greater fame than our humble pen could ever add; and the manifold works of art of this ever-industrious man, which are preserved like jewels in the libraries and art chambers cabinetsKabinetten: specialized rooms or furniture used by collectors to display art and curiosities. of the wise, will sufficiently immortalize themselves.

These Scenes of the Early Christians original: "Tafereelen der Eerste Christenen", which we offer you, Reader, are, in the judgment of art connoisseurs, to be counted among his most excellent works; and were therefore judged doubly worthy of the printing press: the more so because the plates have suffered little or nothing, as is evident; since the work is generally much clearer and more vibrant than