The Four Elementes

Clerck, Hendrik de, after

Mezzotint on paper of the personification of the Four Elements engraved by Bernard Lens II (1659-1725) in London between 1680 and 1725. Originally published by Edward Cooper (active 1682-1725); second state with Cooper’s excudit removed. The composition was designed by Hendrik de Clerck (c.1560-1630) and is a close copy in reverse of an engraving dated 1601 by Johannes Wierix (1553-1620). The Four Elements are presented as semi-nude women in a landscape. Earth sits on a rock wearing a crown of flowers and holding a cornucopia. Water wears a crown of shells beside a large pitcher pouring water into a stream. Flames emanate from the head of Fire who holds a torch and is held aloft by Air standing on a cloud and surrounded by birds.