Thalia c. 1630 - 1635

"Thalia", an engraving by Jean (I) Leblond, circa 1630-1635, depicts Thalia, one of the nine Muses from Greek Mythology. Thalia was the muse of comedy and pastoral poetry. Leblond's engraving portrays Thalia as a woman holding a theorbo, a type of lute popular during the Renaissance. Her relaxed yet dignified posture, along with the musical instrument, symbolizes her artistic and comedic influence. The intricate detail of her dress and the subtle shading of her face add to the elegance of the artwork. The inclusion of French verses further emphasizes the artistic and cultural context of the piece, which reflects the 17th century’s fascination with classical mythology and the arts.