Aarde gepersonifieerd door de godin Cybele 1650 - 1800

This engraving, titled *Aarde gepersonifieerd door de godin Cybele*, presents a landscape dominated by the seated figure of Cybele. The composition, though intricate, uses a restricted palette of grays to construct a scene that is both mythical and grounded in a somber reality. Observe how the artist uses light and shadow. The goddess Cybele, despite being the focal point, seems to blend with the landscape, suggesting an intrinsic connection between the deity and the earth. The artist uses line work to create depth, from the detailed rendering of Cybele’s draped form to the receding mountains in the background. The texture is palpable through the skilled use of hatching and cross-hatching, giving a tactile quality to the rocky outcrops and the goddess's robes. Notice the muted tones which evoke a mood of contemplation. This artwork invites us to consider the relationship between humanity, divinity, and the environment, prompting questions about our impact on the natural world. The artist, through the formal structure of the work, creates a space for ecological and philosophical reflection.