Calliope en Euterpe 1640

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger made this engraving titled 'Calliope en Euterpe'. It depicts two of the nine muses from Greek mythology, rendered in the style of the Dutch Golden Age. Made in the Netherlands, this work reflects the period's fascination with classical antiquity, filtered through a distinctly contemporary lens. Calliope, muse of epic poetry, holds a musical score, while Euterpe, muse of music, is seen with a flute. These are allegorical figures, of course, but note how they are also depicted as fashionable women of the 17th century. This engraving probably appeared in a book, demonstrating the increasing accessibility of knowledge and art in Dutch society. The printing press democratized classical learning, bringing it within reach of a growing middle class. As historians, we look beyond the surface, using sources from the period – letters, books, financial records – to understand the values and beliefs that shaped the creation and reception of works such as this. Only then can we truly understand the dialogue between past and present that an artwork represents.