Allegory of Wisdom Fostering the Arts and Sciences
by LAIRESSE, Gérard de, Oil on canvas, 65 x 78 cm
The figure of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, is shown seated on a throne above the other figures. Female figures below appear to represent the arts (Painting and Music) and sciences (Astronomy and Mathematics). The two female figures conversing at far right may depict Rhetoric and Poetry, and the figure holding a basket overflowing with flowers and fruit probably personifies Abundance.