1750
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Minerva encouraging the Arts is a 1750 by Charles-Nicolas Cochin, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This drawing shows a woman in flowing robes holding a scroll, standing beside a man in armor with a sword. Around them, kids play with tools—some hammer, others sketch or build. In the background, a workshop glows with light, and a half-finished statue sits on a table. The scene feels busy but orderly, like a school of crafts and ideas. The woman’s calm pose and the kids’ focus suggest she’s guiding them. The armor-clad man might be a protector of knowledge, while the tools hint at creativity and skill. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.
A circular drawing by Charles-Nicolas Cochin from 1750 portrays Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, inspiring the arts.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Charles-Nicolas Cochin was a French engraver, designer, writer, and art critic. To distinguish him from his father of the same name, he is variously called Charles-Nicolas Cochin le Jeune, Charles-Nicolas Cochin le…
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