Minerva and Saturn Protecting Art and Science

As a painter and writer on art, Sandrart was familiar with all the important artistic movements of his day. In this allegory there are clear references to Rubens and Van Dyck. Minerva and Saturn are protecting two children with steadfast assurance against the charging Envy (with a snarling dog) and the masked Fama (rumour) with donkey’s ears. The putto in the front with a book and ring is probably a personification of Science.