Euterpe, muze van de muziek en lyriek 1683

This print of Euterpe, the muse of music and lyric poetry, was made by Gerard de Lairesse, a Dutch Golden Age painter and art theorist. Here, the image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references. Note that the muse is surrounded by cherubs and musical instruments. The print was made to be included in a book of musical scores and songs. It is an elaborate illustration with the intention to create an elevated status for the author. We can see this through the use of Euterpe, whose image carries cultural associations of art, beauty and inspiration. This image reflects the high cultural value that was afforded to music in 17th century Netherlands. Historians rely on many resources to fully understand an artwork, including printed matter, archival documents, and knowledge of cultural codes. By researching the context in which art is made, we can better understand the social and cultural forces that shaped its creation.