Kracht (Fortitudo) 1524

Sebald Beham created this print, Kracht (Fortitudo), in 1524. Notice how the figure of Fortitude dominates the composition, her form occupying the majority of the space. The lines are dense and tightly packed, creating a rich texture that defines both the figure and the lion she subdues. Beham uses a complex interplay of light and shadow through varied line weights, adding depth to the small format. Her gaze is directed off to the left, inviting speculation about what lies beyond the frame. The composition has a hierarchical structure, typical of Renaissance allegories, yet Beham destabilizes this with the intimate and somewhat unsettling depiction of power. The contrast between the smooth skin of Fortitude and the rough texture of the lion raises questions about the nature of strength itself. Beham's intricate lines ask us to consider how traditional values are represented and perhaps challenged through the formal qualities of the artwork.