Maria Reigersbergen, wife of Hugo Grotius c. 18th century

Curator: This portrait of Maria Reigersbergen, wife of Hugo Grotius, is a fascinating example of how women were both represented and actively participating in the intellectual and political spheres of the Dutch Golden Age. Editor: The portrait, by Jacobus Houbraken, has a kind of stoic, almost defiant mood. How does this image challenge or conform to the expectations of women's roles at the time? Curator: Precisely! While portraits of women often emphasized beauty and domesticity, this engraving seems to subtly nod to her intellect and fortitude. Consider her unwavering support for her husband, Hugo Grotius, a legal philosopher and theologian. She even played a pivotal role in his daring escape from prison! Does seeing her in that light shift your understanding of her portrayal? Editor: Absolutely! It makes me think about the agency women had, even if it wasn't always explicitly acknowledged. Thank you; I'll remember to look beyond the surface.