Drift 1551

Drift, made by Heinrich Aldegrever, is a tiny, powerful engraving that dates back to a time of significant social and religious upheaval. Aldegrever was working during the Protestant Reformation, a period defined by the challenging of established norms and the exploration of individual belief. In this work, a female figure sits astride a bear, wielding a bow and arrow, symbols of strength and provision. Consider her stance and expression. Does she look assured, or is there vulnerability in her eyes? The imagery is complex. A wild animal being ridden hints at the domination of nature, but what does it mean when a woman is the rider? Is she an allegorical figure of virtue, or perhaps a representation of the power dynamics in a changing world? Aldegrever’s choice to create such a nuanced and thought-provoking image invites us to consider our own positions within systems of power and belief. What does it mean to 'drift' in a world of shifting ideologies, and how do we find our own footing amidst the currents of change?