Dido Killing Herself 1655 - 1665

Stefano della Bella created this print, Dido Killing Herself, in the 17th century. The image depicts a moment of high drama derived from classical literature, where the Carthaginian queen takes her own life after being abandoned by Aeneas. Within the social context of 17th-century Europe, images like this played a complex role. On one hand, they reinforced classical learning, a key element of elite culture. On the other, they offered a vision of powerful female figures, albeit ones meeting tragic ends. How were women, largely excluded from positions of authority, expected to respond to such images? Did they serve as warnings, or as models of defiance? To explore these questions, historians look to sources that illuminate the reception of such works. Letters, diaries, and literary responses can help us understand the dialogue between the artwork and its audience, revealing the intricate ways in which art both reflects and shapes the society around it.