Portret van Nicolas Boileau naar de Parnassus gedragen 1729

This engraving by Bernard Picart from 1729, titled "Portret van Nicolas Boileau naar de Parnassus gedragen", depicts Nicolas Boileau, a French poet and critic, being carried to Mount Parnassus, the mythical home of the Muses, by a winged figure. Boileau is presented with laurels, symbolizing poetic achievement, by the nine Muses who stand on a rocky outcrop below. The scene, filled with classical figures and allegorical symbols, reflects the high regard in which Boileau was held during his lifetime. The engraving's detailed lines and dramatic composition create a powerful representation of Boileau’s literary legacy. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the Baroque style prevalent in the early 18th century.