Tomyris en Cyrus 1643

Crispijn van den Queborn created this print, "Tomyris en Cyrus," sometime in the early to mid-17th century. It's a small engraving but it speaks volumes about the cultural values of its time. The image depicts the story of Tomyris, a Scythian queen, who avenged her son's death by defeating Cyrus the Great of Persia. The Dutch would have seen this scene as a commentary on the hubris of rulers and the power of female leadership, perhaps even as a commentary on the Dutch Revolt. The print’s style is typical of the period, with a focus on detail and dramatic storytelling. To understand this work more fully, historians consult not only art historical sources but also conduct research into the political pamphlets and popular literature of the Dutch Golden Age. These resources provide insights into the social and intellectual contexts that shaped both the creation and reception of such images.