Vers bij de prent met het geopende graf van Pallas, ca. 1707-1708 1707 - 1708

This engraving, created by Abraham Allard around 1707-1708, presents us with a stark dichotomy between text and image, a common feature in Allard's work. On the left, a towering obelisk dominates the visual space, symbolizing power and permanence, yet it is surrounded by scenes of devastation and mourning. The figures are arranged in a theatrical composition, with exaggerated gestures that evoke strong emotion. The materiality of the engraving, with its fine lines and stark contrasts, lends a dramatic quality to the scene. The juxtaposition of the written word and the visual representation invites us to decode the semiotic system at play. The text speaks of wisdom and pride, while the image depicts loss and decay. This interplay challenges fixed meanings and destabilizes traditional values. Ultimately, the formal quality of the engraving—its stark contrasts and dramatic composition—functions as a philosophical discourse on the nature of power, knowledge, and mortality. It is not a static representation but an invitation to ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.