Paneel met twee riviergodinnen c. 1670 - 1680

This panel with two river goddesses was etched by Alexis Loir in the late 17th or early 18th century. In it, we observe allegorical figures amidst architectural ornamentation. Note the river goddesses at the center, reclining with water-filled urns. This motif of the reclining river god, often accompanied by a nymph, has ancient roots, symbolizing the life-giving and fertile aspects of water. From ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance fountains, this imagery has flowed through art history. One can see echoes of these goddesses in depictions of the Nile in Egyptian art, a testament to water’s enduring symbolic power. The garland, seen draped throughout the image, speaks of continuity, but its form, and its emotional impact, has undergone many cultural transformations. These symbols are not static; they ebb and flow through time, shaped by the collective memory of generations. Each appearance is a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols to evoke deep emotional and cultural responses.