Eleonora verwijt graaf Reinoud II van Gelre zijn verwijdering, 1342 1821 - 1823

Johannes Christiaan Bendorp created this print, "Eleonora reproaches Count Reinoud II of Guelders for his removal, 1342" sometime in the late 18th to mid 19th century. Here, we see Eleonora, stripped of her title, confronting her husband, Count Reinoud II, in what appears to be a staged public spectacle. Bendorp invites us to consider the gendered dimensions of power and justice in the 14th century. Eleonora’s partially unveiled state, along with her gestures, evokes both vulnerability and defiance. This challenges the traditional representations of women in historical narratives. The presence of children underscores the stakes of Eleonora's plight, highlighting the dynastic implications of Reinoud's actions. This print, made centuries after the actual event, reflects the enduring fascination with narratives of power, betrayal, and resistance, and questions how society treats those who challenge authority. Bendorp’s print encourages us to reflect on the personal and political dimensions of historical events.