Woede 1549

Heinrich Aldegrever created this small engraving, titled "Woede", which translates to "Wrath" in English, in the mid-16th century. It belongs to a series that personifies the seven deadly sins. Woede is depicted as a figure in armor, embodying the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger. The burning torch and sword she holds symbolize the fiery and violent potential of wrath. The choice to depict Woede as a female figure is particularly interesting when viewed through the historical lens of gendered expectations. Wrath, often associated with masculine aggression, is here embodied by a woman, challenging traditional notions of gender and emotion. Through this small but potent image, Aldegrever invites us to contemplate the complexities of human emotions, the dangers of unchecked anger, and the ways in which these themes intersect with broader societal narratives of gender, power, and morality.