Standbeeld van Minerva 1640

This engraving of Minerva was created by Reinier van Persijn in the 17th century. Van Persijn was working during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands, when the influence of classical antiquity in art was very strong. Here, Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, stands as a symbol of power and intellect. She holds a spear in her right hand and the shield of Medusa in her left. Consider what it meant to represent a female figure with such authority during this period. Minerva embodies the complex negotiation of gender roles in the 17th century. While women were often confined to domestic roles, mythological figures like Minerva offered a space to explore and celebrate female strength and wisdom within the artistic sphere. Van Persijn's choice to depict Minerva reflects both the artistic conventions of his time and perhaps a deeper commentary on the role of women in society.