Muziek 1680

This engraving, titled "Muziek," was made by Gerard de Lairesse, a Dutch painter and art theorist. Here, the allegorical figure of Musica floats on clouds amidst radiant light. The light evokes a divine presence associated with Apollo, the Greek god of music and light. Musica holds a stringed instrument, resembling a viola da gamba. The instrument, with its ornate details, becomes a symbol of harmony and order, reflecting the cosmic harmony the Greeks also believed in. This is a fascinating example of how classical antiquity resurfaces in the visual arts time and again. Consider Botticelli's Venus, for example. Her modest pose, derived from ancient statues of Venus, influenced later depictions of modesty and beauty. The motif, re-emerging in de Lairesse’s work, embodies not just auditory delight but also the deep-seated human yearning for transcendence. It is a longing that surfaces in art across the ages, echoing through the collective subconscious. Symbols never truly fade; they transform, echoing through time and psyche.