Minerva herenigd Mercurius en de personificatie van de natuur 1720

This engraving by Louis Fabritius Dubourg depicts Minerva uniting Mercury and the personification of nature. Here, Minerva, goddess of wisdom, stands between Mercury, messenger of the gods, and Natura, representing nature. The handshake is the dominant symbol, signifying not only agreement but also a binding promise. The motif of clasped hands extends far back into antiquity, seen on Roman marriage rings as a symbol of marital fidelity and partnership. Consider how this gesture reappears in funerary art, signifying a final farewell. The handshake, across time, evolves into a potent emblem of agreement, trust, and transition. The emotional weight of this gesture remains. It acts as a visual anchor, resonating with our inherent understanding of human connection. This simple yet profound act underscores the power of images to communicate on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical journey of symbols, from ancient rituals to contemporary expressions, mirrors the eternal dance between nature, intellect, and divine will.