Lucht gepersonifieerd door de godin Juno 1587

This engraving of air personified by the goddess Juno was made by Johann Sadeler I around 1587. It’s an allegorical image, typical of the period, where natural forces are represented through classical figures. But this wasn't just art for art's sake; these kinds of images played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping cultural values. Published in sets, they were collected by wealthy patrons interested in science, philosophy, and the arts. Sadeler, based in the intellectual hub of Antwerp, profited from the demand for such material. His prints weren't simply decorative; they reflect the humanist culture of the time. Consider how Juno, queen of the gods, controls the air, suggesting a divinely ordered universe. The detailed clouds and the peacock are visual cues linking her to air and sky. To fully appreciate the print's meaning, we might consult emblem books and scientific treatises popular at the time, understanding how images of this kind were part of a broader system of knowledge and power.