The three Fates from Greek mythology [Nicolaus BOTTIUS, 1607]

‘Nascentes morimur finisquam ab origine pendet.’

(As we are born we die and the end commences with the beginning). This saying is by Marcus Manilius a Roman poet and astrologer from the 1st c. AD. This print shows the three fates from Greek mythology: one spins the thread of life, one determines length and one cuts the thread when it is time to die. The serpentine represents sin and the angel good or heaven. A very nice manierist engraving.

engraving on hand laid paper.
Sheet size: 22 x 16,3 cm. Image size: 20 x 14,6 cm.

Title engraving to 1607 ed. at the ‘Atlas Minor’ by Mercator / Hondius, published by Janssonius and C. Claesz. Please note this is a preliminary description, which we will further complete. If you need additional information please contact us. Ref: Phillips no. 423.

Made by Nicolaus Cornelius or Adrianus Bottius after an anonymous artist.

Condition: Good, given age. Small tear extending into image and small paper loss in margin at bottom middle, backed. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: THE 3 FATES-MYTHOLOGY-LIVE AND DIE

PCO-A3-02