Corona Triumphalis og Virgo Vestalis 1767 - 1824

This is Andreas Flint’s engraving, "Corona Triumphalis og Virgo Vestalis", of indeterminate date. The composition is divided into two distinct, yet formally connected, areas. On the left, we see a series of meticulously rendered wreaths and crowns, each labeled and numbered, displaying a variety of forms and textures. These objects, emblems of triumph and civic virtue, draw the eye through their intricate detail and careful arrangement. To the right, Flint depicts a Vestal Virgin, rendered in the classical style. Her draped figure and outstretched hand directs our attention to the flame, a symbol of purity. The linear precision and stark contrast in Flint’s engraving invite a semiotic reading. The crowns signify power and status, while the Vestal Virgin represents duty and tradition. This symbolic structure isn't just about classical virtues, but a discourse on power, representation, and perhaps the societal roles of women during Flint's time. Note how the formal clarity challenges fixed meanings and invites ongoing re-interpretations.