Standvastigheid c. 1585 - 1590

Philips Galle created this engraving, Standvastigheid, sometime between 1552 and 1612. Galle was a printmaker in the Netherlands during a time of religious and political upheaval, a context that greatly influenced his artistic output. This work allegorizes the concept of steadfastness through the image of a woman, Constantia. She stands partially nude, with one hand resting on a column and the other holding a sword over a flame, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Galle’s choice to depict Constantia as a woman is particularly interesting when considered alongside the period’s patriarchal norms. Does this depiction challenge or reinforce the limited roles often assigned to women? The imagery might be interpreted through a feminist lens, questioning the dynamics of power and representation inherent in such allegorical portrayals. This image invites us to reflect on the intersections of gender, power, and resilience. It encourages us to consider whose perspectives are historically valorized and whose are marginalized.