Urania en Polyhymnia 1640

Crispijn van de Passe II created this engraving of Urania and Polyhymnia sometime in the 17th century. The work presents two of the nine muses from Greek mythology, each associated with a different artistic discipline. Urania is the muse of astronomy and Polyhymnia the muse of music. In the Dutch Republic during this time, the arts flourished alongside scientific and intellectual advancements, and knowledge of classical antiquity was a sign of status. Crispijn's engraving reflects an ideal of erudition that was popular in elite circles. Prints like this one circulated widely and were collected in albums or "friendship books," reflecting the social function of art in the exchange of ideas and images. Through art, a community was built. To understand this image better, we can consult emblem books, histories of science and music, and social histories of the Dutch Republic. By exploring these resources, we discover the meaning of art is always bound to its social and historical context.