Cupido smeekt Jupiter om Psyche te mogen huwen 1668

Zacharias Blijhooft created this drawing, "Cupid Begging Jupiter to Allow Him to Marry Psyche", sometime in the mid-17th century, using pen and gray ink. It’s a mythological scene, but its meaning is rooted in the social dynamics of the Dutch Golden Age. This work shows us more than just gods and goddesses on clouds; it presents an image of power, hierarchy, and negotiation. In 17th-century Netherlands, the rising merchant class often used classical themes to legitimize their own status and aspirations. Jupiter, the king of the gods, embodies authority, while Cupid’s plea reflects the importance of alliances and social mobility. The institutional context is also crucial: the Rijksmuseum, as a national museum, plays a role in shaping cultural identity. To understand the drawing fully, we delve into Dutch history and culture, exploring the complex relationship between commerce, religion, and art during that era.