Alkestis 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this etching of Alkestis, a figure from Greek mythology, in the 17th century. The story of Alkestis, who offered her life in place of her husband's, has been interpreted through the ages as the ultimate act of devotion. In della Bella's time, gender roles were rigidly defined. The expectation for women to sacrifice themselves for their husbands was very real. Here, Alkestis, holding a sword, embodies this self-sacrificing ideal. The inscription beneath the image tells of her choice to die so that her husband might live, thus reinforcing the period’s perception of women as subordinate. Consider how Alkestis’s choice reflects not just love but also the immense social pressure placed on women. The image speaks to the heart of societal expectations, asking us to reflect on the personal cost of such ideals.