Minerva staand met vaandel en schild 1666

This engraving of Minerva with banner and shield was created by Pieter van (I) Call, likely in the Dutch Republic. The figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, would have resonated deeply in the cultural landscape of the time. Made during the early 17th century, it is a period marked by the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain. The visual codes here speak of that struggle. Minerva, often associated with justice and liberty, carries a banner with text relating to Admirable Encomia. This choice of subject subtly aligned the Dutch cause with classical ideals, framing their rebellion as a noble pursuit of freedom and enlightenment. The shield may have been a reference to the battles being fought at the time. The existence of the printing house, 'Ex Typographejo REINERI SMETII', from which this print originates, also highlights the growing importance of print culture in shaping public opinion and disseminating ideas. For historians, sources such as pamphlets, political tracts, and emblem books become crucial for understanding the complex interplay between art, politics, and society during this transformative period.