Buste van Minerva 1779

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, sometime in the 18th century. Chodowiecki lived through a period of immense social and political change, including the Enlightenment and the rise of the middle class. His position as a celebrated artist afforded him access to a wide range of intellectual and cultural circles, which influenced his artistic output. Here, Minerva is not portrayed as a powerful warrior, but as a refined, intellectual woman. She is shown in profile, wearing a helmet adorned with a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and knowledge. Yet, the softness of her features and the delicate lines of the print create a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The inscription "Sapere aude" – dare to know – encapsulates the spirit of the Enlightenment, inviting viewers to question traditional assumptions and seek knowledge for themselves. This print encourages us to consider the complexities of identity, knowledge, and power, and serves as a reminder of the importance of daring to know, even in the face of uncertainty.