Allegorie van het geluk 1788

"Allegorie van het geluk" (Allegory of Happiness), an etching created by Christian Bernhard Rode in 1788, depicts two female figures representing happiness. The figure on the left, seated and draped in flowing fabric, holds a lyre, symbolizing music and its association with joy. The figure on the right, seemingly airborne, embodies the fleeting nature of happiness. The composition, a testament to Rode's mastery of line and form, invites contemplation on the ephemeral essence of happiness, a theme deeply explored within the realm of allegorical art. This intricate etching is housed at the Rijksmuseum, offering a glimpse into the creative world of the 18th century.