Vrouw met leeuw 1651

This print of a woman with a lion was made by an anonymous artist and reproduced in Leiden. The woman depicted is Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. Made in the Dutch Republic, the image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. The Dutch Republic was the first country to operate as a republic in Europe, and this image is an expression of the values of the time. Minerva standing next to a lion is a common symbol of the Dutch Republic, and she frequently appears in paintings and prints from this period. Here she appears with a spear and helmet, signifying her ability to fight, but the book in the background demonstrates her wisdom. Understanding the artwork means placing it in its social and institutional context. In the archives, we can find similar images of Minerva with a lion, and learn more about the use of the images as a symbol for the Dutch Republic.