Cartouche met een citaat van Terentius 1556

This is an engraving of a cartouche with a quote by Terentius, made by an anonymous artist. In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, the choice of a classical quote and the design of the cartouche suggest an era deeply invested in humanism and the revival of classical ideals. During this period, there was a renewed interest in classical literature and philosophy, which profoundly influenced art, literature, and intellectual life. The quote itself, which translates to "By Hercules, this is the truth: without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus freezes," speaks to the prevailing societal values around pleasure, sustenance, and truth. Considering the absence of the artist's identity, we might think about the role of anonymity in art production and how it affects our understanding and interpretation. Perhaps the intention was for the artwork to reflect universal truths rather than personal expression. The emotional dimension here lies in its reflection on societal values and the human condition.