Minerva beschermt Telemachus tegen pijlen van Amor 1775

This etching, made by Simon Fokke, depicts Minerva protecting Telemachus from Amor’s arrows. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, stands guard. The winged Amor is actively shooting arrows at Telemachus, while another female figure sits in the clouds, seemingly directing him. The figure of Amor is particularly fascinating, as he symbolizes love, desire, and the irrational forces that can disrupt reason and order. We see Cupid-like figures in many ancient Roman frescoes, sculptures and mosaics, a motif adopted from the Greek god Eros. Over time, Amor became a symbol deeply embedded in Western culture. In this print, Minerva is actively shielding Telemachus, highlighting a tension between reason and desire. The image reflects a psychological struggle, where the protagonist is torn between duty and passion. The non-linear progression of such symbols allows them to resurface across history. They are continuously evolving and taking on new meanings that engage viewers on a profound subconscious level.