Allegorische figuren rond een sfinx 1721

Jan Wandelaar created this print, "Allegorical figures around a sphinx," in the Netherlands in 1741. This elaborate engraving is replete with classical and mythological figures, all clustered around the enigmatic sphinx. The imagery of classical antiquity, such as the sphinx, pyramid, and allegorical figures, was very popular in the 18th century. As a result of colonialism, Europeans became increasingly interested in other parts of the world. The Dutch Republic had extensive trade networks with many countries, including Egypt, and the symbols of this network became fashionable. The sphinx was seen as a symbol of mystery and knowledge. Here, the artist links it to contemporary artistic and scientific endeavours. Dutch artists and patrons would have been familiar with this classical imagery and their cultural associations. Through close attention to historical context and visual codes, we can understand how the image creates meaning within a specific time and place. To do so, the historian may consult a variety of resources to find out more about the artist, patron, and the cultural context of the artwork. This gives us insight into the artwork's position within a specific time and place.