Minerva beschermt de Nederlandse maagd, 1815 1815 - 1816

"Minerva beschermt de Nederlandse maagd" is an engraving created by Reinier Vinkeles in 1815-1816. It depicts Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, protecting a young woman, representing the Netherlands, from a French eagle. The engraving is a powerful allegory of the Dutch resistance against the French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. The use of classical figures and symbolism, and the dramatic composition, contribute to the artwork's expressive and patriotic message, which resonated deeply with the Dutch audience of the time. It is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, where it serves as a reminder of the nation's resilience during a tumultuous period.