Kulturens herredømme 1758 - 1809

Nicolai Abildgaard's "Kulturens herredømme" (1758 - 1809) is a Neoclassical oil painting that depicts a woman, likely Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, seated on a throne while a chained and defeated figure kneels before her. This allegorical painting, housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, represents the triumph of civilization and culture over barbarism. The woman's armor, books, and globe symbolize learning and intellect, while the chained figure's animalistic nature and the broken weapons surrounding him suggest the defeat of savagery. Abildgaard’s masterful use of light and shadow emphasizes the power of culture, creating a dramatic and evocative scene that captures the zeitgeist of the Enlightenment era.