Vrouwelijk figuur met drietand van Neptunus before 1656

This small, anonymous print presents a female figure with Neptune’s trident. A hybrid creature, she combines the features of a woman with the tail of a fish and the clawed feet of a bird of prey. The historical context of this work is tied to the European Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical mythology and allegorical representations. This piece reflects the era’s fascination with hybrid forms and its investment in the female nude as a symbol of both beauty and danger. Her trident refers to Neptune, the god of the sea, signaling maritime power and dominion. The artist engages in a complex interplay of gender and power. Although the figure embodies strength through her association with Neptune, her presentation as a hybrid being also evokes a sense of otherness. As we consider this image today, we might reflect on how such representations of hybridity challenge or reinforce societal norms.