Minerva beschermt de onschuld tegen de verleiding 17th century

"Minerva beschermt de onschuld tegen de verleiding" (Minerva Protects Innocence from Temptation) is an etching by Gerard de Lairesse, created in the 17th century. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the Roman goddess Minerva intervening to protect a young woman from the advances of a group of men. The scene is set in a classical landscape with a temple in the background, suggesting the virtue and strength of Minerva. De Lairesse was a prolific Dutch artist known for his mastery of drawing and his ability to imbue his works with rich allegorical meaning. The etching's intricate details and dynamic composition highlight the tension between innocence and temptation, making it a captivating example of 17th-century Baroque art.