Drie schikgodinnen 1561

Cornelis Cort created this engraving, Drie schikgodinnen, sometime between 1533 and 1578. During this time, the rediscovery of classical antiquity influenced artistic and intellectual life throughout Europe. Here, Cort interprets the classical theme of the Three Fates, goddesses who determined the course of human life. As you look at this image, consider the identities of these women, who controlled destiny itself. Cort’s decision to depict these figures as women reflects the historical role of women in domestic activities such as spinning and weaving. The presence of distaffs and spindles emphasizes this connection. This engraving invites us to reflect on gender roles and power dynamics within a patriarchal society. While the Fates hold immense power, their association with domestic tasks underscores the complex ways in which women’s identities were constructed and perceived. It challenges us to consider the constraints placed upon women, and to consider how they were able to exercise agency within them.