Mythologische figuren in een landschap 1712

Jan Goeree made this engraving of mythological figures in a landscape around the turn of the 18th century in the Netherlands. It illustrates a song from Horace translated by Joannes Zeerus. We see gods, nymphs, and satyrs in a classical landscape with ruins, reflecting the enduring influence of classical antiquity on European art and culture. The Dutch Golden Age, while known for its realism, still looked to classical mythology for allegorical and symbolic meanings. Engravings like these played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and culture, acting as visual aids alongside printed texts. The Rijksmuseum, where this engraving is housed, serves as an institution that collects, preserves, and interprets cultural heritage. Understanding this work involves exploring the social and intellectual context of the Dutch Golden Age, researching the roles of classical education, and understanding the institutions that supported artistic production and cultural dissemination.