Onderdeel (rechtsboven) van een plafondschildering met als hoofdvoorstelling Diana en haar gezellinnen c. 1676 - 1682

Gerard de Lairesse painted this section of a ceiling depicting Diana and her companions, filled with symbols of classical mythology. Observe Diana herself, holding her hunting spear, an emblem of her independence and skill in the wild, echoing images of Artemis from ancient Greek pottery. Now, let your gaze wander to the figures surrounding her. You'll notice a woman with a blindfold and the wheel. This is Fortuna, the goddess of fortune, a symbol that dates back to Roman times. In the medieval era, we can see how her wheel came to represent the unpredictable nature of fate, a concept that permeated art and literature. Notice the putti below, representations of Cupid, the god of love. Their inclusion alongside symbols of the hunt evokes the contrasting themes of love and chastity. These symbols, passed down through history, engage viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience and the enduring power of classical imagery. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, creating an emotional connection that transcends time.