Jupiter and Mnemosyne c. 1719 - 1720

This drawing, titled "Jupiter and Mnemosyne," is a brown wash sketch by the Dutch artist Jacob de Wit, created between 1719 and 1720. Depicting the Roman god Jupiter embracing the Titaness Mnemosyne, the personification of memory, the drawing exemplifies the neoclassical style that was gaining popularity in Europe during the early 18th century. The sketch's expressive lines and use of brown wash to render light and shadow create a dramatic scene that hints at the mythology of Jupiter and Mnemosyne, who had nine daughters, known as the Muses, goddesses of the arts and sciences. The drawing, currently housed in the Städel Museum, serves as a testament to de Wit's skill as a draftsman and his engagement with classical themes.