Dimensions: height 425 mm, width 331 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Here is a print made by D. Lijsen, illustrating the story of Genoveva’s virtue and divine reward. This devotional print, likely intended for children, presents a series of narrative scenes framed by a moralizing verse in Dutch. The story of Genoveva, a popular tale in the medieval period, speaks to cultural anxieties about female virtue, justice, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. Tradition dictates that Genoveva was falsely accused of adultery. The composition presents Genoveva as the ideal woman who faces betrayal and isolation with unwavering piety. Note how the artist juxtaposes scenes of suffering with those of divine intervention and resolution, reinforcing the idea that righteousness will ultimately be rewarded. Consider the narrative and its connection to gender roles, religious beliefs, and social values of the time. It invites reflection on how stories shape cultural norms and impact our understanding of justice, morality, and the roles we play within society.
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