Minerva en Clio 1640

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger created this engraving of Minerva and Clio sometime in the 17th century. But these aren’t just portraits of two figures from classical mythology; they engage with longstanding ideas about the role of art and knowledge in Dutch society. Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts, often associated with strategic thinking and skill. Clio, in contrast, was the Greek muse of history. The pairing suggests a connection between practical knowledge and historical understanding. The Netherlands, during van de Passe’s lifetime, was a burgeoning center for trade, science, and the arts. Institutions like the universities at Leiden and Franeker played a pivotal role in shaping intellectual life, where both practical skills and knowledge of history were highly valued. The wealth that came from global trade also allowed a flourishing art market to develop. Representations of classical figures offered a way to ennoble these developments. Looking at art through a social and historical lens enriches our understanding. By exploring sources from the period, such as the records of learned societies, or the inventories of collectors, we gain insight into the values embedded in this image.