Minerva, leunend op een voetstuk 1637

This etching, "Minerva, leunend op een voetstuk", was created in 1637 by Claude Mellan, a prominent French engraver of the 17th century. The piece depicts the Roman goddess Minerva, known for her wisdom and strategy, leaning thoughtfully on a pedestal. A young, winged figure holding an olive branch stands to her left, symbolizing peace and victory. The intricate detail and delicate lines characteristic of Mellan's style create a sense of depth and realism. This artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's mastery of line engraving and its ability to convey symbolic meaning.