Mythologische of allegorische voorstelling 1640 - 1749

Gerard de Lairesse created this drawing, entitled Mythological or Allegorical Scene, using pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over graphite, sometime between 1656 and 1711. The scene depicts classical figures in dynamic poses. The male figure at right could be interpreted as Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology. The Dutch Republic, in which Lairesse was working, was a hub of artistic and intellectual exchange at the time. Artists looked to classical antiquity for inspiration, but also to the Italian Renaissance, adopting their visual vocabulary and adapting them to reflect the values and concerns of their own society. The Rijksmuseum, as a Dutch national institution, plays an important role in preserving and presenting this artistic heritage. Further research into Lairesse's artistic influences and the cultural context of the Dutch Republic would provide valuable insights into the meaning and significance of this drawing.