Het haar van Lavinia vliegt in brand 1662

Pieter de Jode II created this engraving, "Het haar van Lavinia vliegt in brand" or "Lavinia's hair catches fire," in the 17th-century Netherlands. De Jode brings a moment from Virgil’s Aeneid to life, capturing a supposed omen where Lavinia, daughter of King Latinus, sets alight during a sacrifice. The artwork, produced in a culture deeply influenced by classical literature and religious symbolism, portrays the scene with dramatic intensity. We see the figures reacting in horror, set against a backdrop of classical architecture and divine figures. The choice to depict this particular scene reflects the cultural values of the time, where mythology, religion, and the power of fate were central themes in artistic expression. Understanding the context in which it was made, we can better grasp the artist’s intent and its relevance to its intended audience. To fully appreciate the meaning, we might delve into the art market and patronage systems of the Dutch Golden Age. This means seeing the art as contingent on its social and institutional context.