Vrouw als personificatie van Kracht (Fortitudo) leunend op zuil staand in nis 1510 - 1575

This engraving presents a woman embodying ‘Fortitudo,’ or Strength, leaning on a column and standing in a niche. Columns, since ancient times, are not mere architectural elements; they symbolize support, stability, and enduring power. Consider how the figure of Fortitude, often depicted with armor or weapons, can be traced back to classical antiquity. Yet, she also echoes through the ages in the guise of biblical heroines like Judith, who demonstrate a different kind of strength, one of moral courage and resolve. In this rendering, the column becomes a silent witness to her virtue. The gesture of leaning speaks volumes. It conveys not brute force but a composed, self-assured power, deeply rooted and unwavering. This symbol transcends epochs, appearing in various guises, from classical statues to Renaissance paintings, each time adapting, yet retaining its essence. The image touches something primal in us. It's an echo of ancestral strength, a symbol that persists, shifting through time and culture.