Luna 

Heinrich Aldegrever created this engraving of ‘Luna’ in the first half of the 16th century, a time of immense social and religious upheaval in Europe. Aldegrever situated himself among artists who navigated the complex currents of the Reformation. This print features Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon. She stands in a contrapposto pose, one finger raised, the moon visible behind her. A zodiac symbol representing Cancer is at her feet. We might consider how the figure blends pagan symbolism with the era’s evolving religious consciousness. The print also serves as a commentary on the societal roles attributed to women. While the goddess embodies a certain power, she is simultaneously presented as an object of visual consumption, reflecting the period’s complex attitudes toward female agency and representation. 'Luna' invites us to reflect on the ways in which historical and mythological narratives intersect with the personal and political dimensions of human experience.