Minerva wijst een jongen op Vadertje Tijd die voorbij vliegt 1721 - 1771

This etching, "Minerva wijst een jongen op Vadertje Tijd die voorbij vliegt" (Minerva points a boy to Father Time who flies by) by Jeremias Wachsmuth (1712 - 1771), showcases the artist's mastery of engraving and the Dutch Baroque style. The print depicts the Roman goddess Minerva, with her signature helmet and spear, instructing a young man to observe Father Time, a winged figure holding a scythe, soaring through the clouds. This allegoric scene, likely intended to encourage personal reflection on time's fleeting nature, exemplifies the moralizing themes common in Dutch art of the period. The image, with its intricate details and dramatic composition, was originally created as a print, a popular medium for disseminating visual narratives during this era. Today, it is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, offering art enthusiasts a glimpse into the philosophical and artistic preoccupations of 18th century Holland.