Gabrielle Charlotte Patin 1682

Susanne Maria von Sandrart created this engraving of Gabrielle Charlotte Patin. Born into a family of artists in Nuremberg, Sandrart's position as a woman in the 17th century shaped her artistic practice in particular ways. This portrait offers a window into the life of a woman of the time, while simultaneously reflecting the artist's own experiences and perspectives. Patin, adorned in an ornate dress and jewelry, is framed by swirling patterns and Latin inscriptions. The use of such language reflects the intellectual circles and classical education accessible to women of certain social standing. Patin is pictured with a bird and roses, elements which could symbolize beauty, fragility, or even the constraints placed upon women. The image raises questions about identity, representation, and the gaze—who is Patin, and how does Sandrart, as a woman artist, choose to portray her? Ultimately, the work invites us to contemplate the lives and experiences of women within the complex social structures of 17th-century Europe.