Zuil met een lier 1766 - 1837

This etching, made by Jan van Noort, features a pillar adorned with a lyre, an emblem deeply rooted in classical antiquity. The lyre, often associated with Apollo, god of music and poetry, symbolizes harmony, order, and civilization. In ancient Greece, it was believed to elevate the soul and inspire intellectual pursuits. Think of Orpheus, whose lyre held the power to charm beasts and move stones, a testament to music’s profound influence over the natural world. Yet, this motif is not confined to the ancient world. The lyre has resurfaced time and again, adorning the arts through the Renaissance and beyond, each time imbued with renewed significance. Its presence here suggests an enduring aspiration towards enlightenment and the civilizing power of art, a beacon across time.