Allegorische voorstelling met tronende man, Minerva, Vergetelheid en Geschiedenis 1667

This allegorical print, made in 1667 by an anonymous artist, presents a complex tableau of classical figures and symbols. It encourages us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and remembered. At the forefront, we see Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, positioned next to a figure who represents either Vergetelheid (oblivion) or Amnerstia (amnesty). These figures flank a dedication to the Roman biographer Cornelius Nepos. Above them all a man is enthroned. The background reveals a scene of military encampment. This combination suggests the transient nature of power and the subjective interpretation of historical events. The inclusion of both oblivion and amnesty, highlights a critical tension: who decides what is remembered and what is forgotten? Whose stories are valued, and whose are erased? It’s a reminder that history isn’t a neutral account, but a carefully curated selection of facts and interpretations, shaped by those in power. Think about what stories and histories are being written today, and who is doing the writing. What do we choose to remember, and what do we allow to fade away?