Hoop (Spes) 1585 - 1589

Jacob Matham's engraving "Hoop (Spes)" (1585-1589), depicts the allegorical figure of Hope, a woman holding a falcon on a perch and standing on an anchor, with a stormy seascape behind. The title is written in Latin below, referencing Hope as a guide for humanity. The print exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's interest in allegorical imagery, combining classical and Christian themes. The detailed engraving technique and dramatic composition lend the artwork a sense of grandeur, emphasizing the importance of Hope as a virtue. This artwork is housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.