Hope 1636

Abraham Bosse created this tiny engraving, called "Hope," sometime in the 17th century. The female personification of Hope stands on a storm-tossed shore, leaning on an anchor. Bosse was a French artist, but he was deeply influenced by Dutch printmaking. The Netherlands was the dominant economic power at this time, and their culture had spread across Europe. The anchor in this print symbolizes stability, an important concept for the Dutch, who made their living through maritime trade. The Latin inscription, taken from Psalm 70, reinforces this notion of stability and trust in God. Bosse would have been familiar with this imagery through religious institutions, as well as through emblems and allegories popular at the time. To better understand this image, we can study the history of Dutch trade, the visual culture of religious emblems, and the printmaking techniques that made images like this so popular. By understanding this social context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of the past.