Dronning Semiramis som sværger ikke at ville rede sit hår før hun har underkuet et oprør 1757 - 1759

Peder Als painted this oil on canvas depicting "Dronning Semiramis som sværger ikke at ville rede sit hår før hun har underkuet et oprør," which translates to "Queen Semiramis Swears Not to Comb Her Hair Until She Has Suppressed a Revolt." Painted during the 18th century, a time of shifting power dynamics and social upheaval, this artwork encapsulates the era's fascination with strong female figures and the negotiation of gender roles. Semiramis, the legendary queen of Assyria, embodies a potent blend of beauty and might. Als seems to ask: Can a woman be both feminine and formidable? Semiramis's resolve to forgo personal grooming until victory reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize power over traditional expectations. The scene becomes charged with tension, highlighting the sacrifices and difficult choices that women in positions of authority often face. This painting invites us to consider the complexities of Semiramis's identity and the multifaceted nature of female leadership.