Allegorie op het genie van Homerus 1711

This 1711 etching by Bernard Picart, titled “Allegory on the Genius of Homer,” depicts a scene with numerous figures, including a winged angel, a cherub, a bust of Homer, and a woman. This complex allegorical composition, housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Picart’s skill as an artist and engraver, and a reflection of the 18th-century fascination with classical mythology and literature. The detailed imagery offers a glimpse into the intellectual currents of the time, inviting viewers to unravel the symbolism and understand the artist’s homage to the ancient Greek poet.