Cecrops døtre afslører Minervas hemmeligheder (1814)

This captivating pencil sketch by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, titled "Cecrops' Daughters Reveal the Secrets of Minerva," embodies a profound narrative drawn from Greek mythology. Created in 1814, the artwork portrays a delicate and tender moment involving the daughters of Cecrops, the mythical first king of Athens.The scene unfolds with three figures intricately engaged around a container, inside which lies an infant—presumed to be Erichthonius, a child of divine origins, linked to the goddess Minerva (Athena). According to legend, Minerva entrusted the king's daughters with the child, hidden inside a basket and instructed them not to peek. However, driven by curiosity, they looked, only to be met with a startling sight.The leftmost figure is depicted in a semiformal posture, her gaze directed away from the scene, possibly symbolizing her shock or regret after disobeying Minerva’s directive. The central figure leans forward with great interest and involvement, her actions conveying the human trait of curiosity. The third figure, whose back faces the viewers, adds a sense of urgency and movement to the scene, emphasizing the dramatic moment of the revelation.Eckersberg’s mastery in sketching is evident in the graceful lines and detailed rendering of expressions and body movements, capturing the tension and awe of the moment. This piece not only highlights his skill in draftsmanship but also his ability to weave narrative depth into his works, inviting viewers to contemplate the broader themes of knowledge, secrecy, and divine interaction in human affairs.