Poëzie ontvangt Minerva 1763

Jan Caspar Philips created this artwork, "Poetry Receives Minerva," around 1763 with etching. Here we see Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, depicted with her helmet and spear, reaching out to Poetry. Mercury, the swift-footed messenger of the gods, soars above, holding a tablet. This tableau invokes classical antiquity, where Minerva, often associated with the arts, bestows her blessings. Mercury is a recurring figure throughout art history, often depicted with winged sandals or helmet, symbolizing quickness and communication. One can trace his likeness from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, each time carrying messages, both literal and symbolic. The persistence of these classical motifs reflects a deep-seated cultural memory. Artists draw upon these archetypes, infusing them with new layers of meaning, engaging our collective subconscious. The Swan, a symbol of beauty, represents the beauty of art. This timeless motif has journeyed through artistic expressions, and reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly resurfacing, transformed, yet eternally resonant.