Rocaille met de personificatie van de Rekenkunde (Arithmetica) 1719 - 1749

This ornamental etching, made by Jeremias Wachsmuth, presents us with an elaborate Rococo design featuring the personification of arithmetic. Figures are entwined within swirling foliage and architectural elements, embodying the era's love for complexity. Note the central female figures, embodiments of calculation and reason. These allegorical figures are reminiscent of classical depictions of the muses, yet here, they are specifically tied to the burgeoning world of mathematics and commerce. The inclusion of numbers, subtly integrated, acts as a direct symbol of the discipline being represented. The allegorical portrayal of knowledge can be traced back to antiquity, where figures like Minerva represented wisdom and strategic warfare. In Wachsmuth's era, this tradition evolved to include more specialized fields, reflecting a growing appreciation for scientific and rational thought. This evolution illustrates how the emotional and intellectual landscape of a period influences the symbols we use and how we understand them.