Twee vrouwen zittend op voetstuk c. 1660 - 1670

This print, made by Nicolas Pierre Loir, features two women sitting on a pedestal. Here, we see a classical motif of seated figures. Often symbols of authority and wisdom, these women remind us of ancient sculptures depicting goddesses or muses. Note how they recline with a composed posture, suggesting control and poise. Above them, putti hold festoons, symbols of celebration and abundance. This image connects us to a lineage of classical ideals, echoing through Renaissance and Baroque art. Consider how similar figures appear in Roman frescoes, regal and composed, yet here, there's a lightness, a playfulness introduced by the cherubic putti. It's fascinating how these symbols evolve—from stern representations of power to lighter, decorative elements. This reveals how artists tap into our collective memory, reshaping symbols to reflect new cultural sensibilities. Loir’s print uses these classical echoes to create a sense of refined elegance, a visual dance between the past and the present.