This design originally came from an engraving by Hendrick Goltzius in 1588, which I have restored, redrawn, and digitized. The art depicts Icarus and Phaeton hurtling downwards after flying too close to the sun. The artist's purpose was to demonstrate what happens to those who challenge the gods.
The text reads:
"NON AMBIRE PROBAT SAPIENS, SED LAVDAT HONORES, LAVDA CONTINGANT SI TAMEN ILLA PROBIS. SIC PHAETONTAEVS NIMIVM TEMERARIA LAPSVS VOTA DOCET TANDEN FINE CARERE BONO."
Which roughly translates to:
"The wise man demonstrates that he does not search for but appreciates the honors. And recognizes if happens to honest. Phaeton’s error shows that very frivolous requests ultimately do not have a good ending."
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%