Minerva beschermt drie Deugden 1668 - 1670

"Minerva beschermt drie Deugden" (Minerva Protects Three Virtues), created between 1668 and 1670 by Gerard de Lairesse, is a masterful example of Baroque-era etching. The composition depicts the Roman goddess Minerva, depicted as a woman in armor, protecting three virtues represented by feminine figures. De Lairesse's meticulous detail and use of light and shadow create a dramatic and moving scene. The etching's inscription, "Una et Eadem," underscores the theme of unity and strength, while the architectural setting adds a sense of grandeur and classical inspiration. The artwork currently resides at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.