Pallas prijst Natuur bij de geboorte van de zeven zonen van Lara 1612

This engraving, made by Antonio Tempesta around 1604, depicts Pallas praising Nature at the birth of the seven sons of Lara. Considered within its historical moment, this print speaks to the social and political climate of late 16th and early 17th century Europe. The image visualizes the popular medieval Spanish legend of the seven infantes de Lara. Tempesta, active in Rome, was deeply immersed in the classical tradition and, like many artists of his time, he drew from classical mythology and literature to enrich his visual narratives. The female figures here are embodiments of abstract concepts and moral virtues. The composition also alludes to the contemporary obsession with genealogy and aristocratic lineage. Analyzing the imagery, understanding the literary sources, and tracing the print's circulation reveal the artist's intention to engage with prevailing social structures, moral values and the politics of imagery.