Portret van Anna Maria van Schurman 1657

This engraving by Steven van Lamsweerde portrays Anna Maria van Schurman, a woman of remarkable intellect. Encircling her portrait, we see two cherubs, motifs inherited from classical antiquity, often symbolizing divine love or knowledge. But observe how these figures, once pagan symbols, have been repurposed to celebrate Christian virtues and intellectual pursuits. Similar winged figures appear in Renaissance paintings, yet their evolution from pagan deities to Christian symbols reflects the complex negotiation between classical heritage and Christian doctrine. Such images create a psychological bridge across centuries, engaging our collective memory and subconscious perceptions. The cherubs embody a longing for innocence and purity. This emotional resonance persists, demonstrating the non-linear progression of symbols, which resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.