Eleonora van Aquitanië 1620 - 1664

This small engraving of Eleanor of Aquitaine was made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century. During this time, printed images circulated widely, shaping perceptions of historical figures. Here, Eleanor is presented as 'capricious,' a label that hints at the complex narratives surrounding powerful women. Her story—marrying the King of France, traveling to the Levant, then later marrying the King of England—positions her as an agent in dynastic politics, yet the text reduces her to a figure of romance. The mention of her love for a 'barbarian' exoticizes her desires, reinforcing stereotypes about female agency and foreign cultures. Notice how her body is adorned in fine garments. The details accentuate her status and frame her as a symbol of wealth and power. This image invites us to consider the ways historical narratives can be manipulated. It shows how personal stories intersect with broader political and cultural contexts.