Antiek standbeeld van Minerva 1681

Etienne Baudet created this engraving of an antique statue of Minerva in the late 17th century. The image reflects the cultural and intellectual climate of the era, as well as long-standing narratives of gender and power. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and the arts, was often depicted as a strong, intelligent woman, yet her power was always defined within the patriarchal structures of ancient society. Baudet's work perpetuates this complex representation. She is armed, but seated and serene, embodying both strength and submission. The gaze is averted, which invites reflection on how women’s power is often mediated by, or made palatable to, dominant male perspectives. Classical sculptures like Minerva, and prints such as this one, played a crucial role in shaping European ideals of beauty, intellect, and authority, ideals often tied to gendered and class-based expectations. The emotional impact is subtle, yet the image prompts questions about the relationship between power, representation, and the female form, even today.