Minerva en Clio 1640

This 1640 engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (II) depicts the Greek goddesses Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, and Clio, the muse of history. Minerva is portrayed in armor with a spear, symbolizing her martial prowess, while Clio holds a scroll and a quill, representing her role in preserving knowledge. Both figures are depicted in oval frames, a common stylistic element of the period. Van de Passe, known for his detailed engravings, used a technique of fine lines to create a sense of realism in the figures, emphasizing the delicate features of the goddesses. This engraving is part of a series of portraits depicting the nine muses, showcasing the artist's mastery in capturing the essence of classical mythology in his work.