Verklaring van de prenten 1693

This is a description of the liberal arts made in the late 17th century by Charles Perrault. Dominating the page are depictions of Apollo, Mercury, and Minerva – deities from classical antiquity. Apollo, representing genius and invention, reminds us of the enduring legacy of classical thought during the Enlightenment. These figures and their attributes recur across time and cultures. Consider how the image of Apollo, with his association with light and reason, contrasts with earlier depictions of pagan gods as more mysterious and awe-inspiring. Yet, the human desire to grasp the eternal truths through art remains constant. The Sphinxes in the corners offer a psychoanalytic glimpse into the subconscious, marking a powerful force. They are guarding secrets, reminding us that true understanding is always just out of reach. This reflects a cultural anxiety about the limits of knowledge and the power of the unknown. These symbols demonstrate the cyclical nature of cultural memory, resurfacing and evolving through history. They embody a blend of reverence for the past and a constant reimagining of its meanings.