The Four Elements and the Seven Planets

Hoeswinckel, Eduard van

Engraving on paper of the Four Elements surrounded by the Seven Planets published by Eduard van Hoeswinckel (fl. 1570s-1583) in Antwerp between 1570 and 1583. The central panel depicts an allegorical scene of the Four Elements: Water sitting on a dolphin, Fire with a dog, Air with an eagle and Earth with a bull. A Latin verse inscribed in the cartouche below. The surrounding panels are personifications of the seven planets: Sol wearing a crown and holding a globe and sceptre, Venus holding an arrow and flaming heart accompanied by Cupid, Mercury wearing his winged helmet and holding his caduceus, Luna holding a crescent moon and surrounded by stars, Saturn holding his scythe while devouring his child, Jupiter holding lightning bolts accompanied by his eagle, and Mars in armour holding a sword and torch, a scene of war behind him.