The Minter
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Minter
Scripture Reference:
- Mark 12 (further images / scripture text)
Description: The minter raises a heavy mallet over his head and is about to strike the butt end of the die to stamp a coin. A helper sitting opposite him is ready to place a blank coin on the die. In the right background, a worker uses tongs to remove metal from a blazing forge; several other workers are visible in this busy workshop. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649-1712) was responsible for drawing this emblem and for creating the motto and poem that follow. Jan Luiken and/or his son Casper Luiken (1672-1708) were responsible for its etching. The attendant scripture text is Mark 12:15-17.
Motto:
The heart, lit with heavenly light,
Has no desire to be a bag for money.
Poem:
O Coin of silver, and of gold!
How thou art the ruin of many,
As the empty life trusts,
What thy desire allows to be stolen;
But the heart, that looks upon its Creator,
Does not serve the strange Gods.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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