Dageraad 1680 - 1713

This unsigned print, titled "Dageraad," depicts Aurora, the goddess of dawn, likely made in the 18th century. Observe her, adorned with a crown of stars, attending to her hair. The comb, the mirror, and the very act of grooming are not merely mundane tasks. They echo a ritual, a symbolic preparation for her daily role. The motif of a goddess at her toilette is rich with historical resonance. From ancient depictions of Venus preparing for her lover Mars to later representations of feminine beauty, this scene connects to a deep vein of human fascination with transformation and allure. Remember Botticelli's Venus, born of the sea, or Diana the Huntress, both archetypes of feminine power and mystery. Consider how the act of self-adornment might reflect deeper psychological needs—a desire for control, a yearning for admiration, or a grappling with identity. It is a cyclical progression, resurfacing in art, evolving in meaning, and engaging viewers on a subconscious level.