Minerva en Mercurius aan weerszijden van een medaillon met Venus Marina 1729

This anonymous etching from 1729, titled "Minerva en Mercurius aan weerszijden van een medaillon met Venus Marina," depicts the Roman goddesses Minerva and Venus, and the messenger god Mercury, in a symbolic composition celebrating printing and knowledge. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, is seated with an owl at her feet, while Mercury stands holding a caduceus, a symbol of his role as messenger. The central medallion features Venus Marina, representing the power of the sea, and the inscription "TRINIS STIMULUS PRESSA" (the press is urged by three) reinforces the printmaking theme. The artwork is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th-century Dutch printmaking.