Welsprekendheid 1698

"Welsprekendheid" (Eloquence) is an etching by Bernard Picart, a French artist known for his work in the 17th and 18th centuries. Created in 1698, it depicts a regal figure of Eloquence, seated and adorned with a crown and jewelry, holding a staff in her hand. Two cherubs observe, representing the power of words to inspire. The image is symbolic of the eloquence and persuasion of language, and is a prime example of the allegorical works popular in the Baroque period. "Welsprekendheid" is currently in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.