Minerva omgeven door soldaten 1642 - 1743

This engraving, titled "Minerva Surrounded by Soldiers," is an anonymous work that reflects the cultural and political climate of its time. Standing imposingly, Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, is flanked by soldiers and classical figures. The image oscillates between glorifying war and reflecting on its cost. The diverse assembly of figures around Minerva perhaps speaks to the vastness of historical narratives and the varied participants in conflicts. The male and female nudes represent the spoils of war, while Minerva stands tall, seemingly unaffected. It’s interesting to consider the societal values embedded in this representation. The figures invite us to reflect on how power, knowledge, and conflict intersect, and how the stories of war are told—or remain untold—through the visual arts.