Minerva houdt lauwerkrans boven jongen met bul c. 1745 - 1747

This 18th-century drawing, *Minerva houdt lauwerkrans boven jongen met bul* by Dutch artist Simon Fokke, depicts Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, holding a laurel wreath above a young man. Surrounding them are putti, or cherubs, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the celebration of achievement. Fokke's intricate, yet delicate, graphite lines showcase his mastery of detail and evoke a sense of celebratory grandeur. The piece serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, a sentiment deeply rooted in the Dutch culture of the period. This drawing exemplifies the Rococo period's fascination with grace, elegance, and the celebration of beauty.