Heilige Margaretha van Antiochië met draak aan touw 1500 - 1575

This anonymous print depicts Saint Margaret of Antioch, subduing a dragon with a leash. Images of Saint Margaret circulated widely during the Middle Ages, a time when the stories of female saints offered examples of faith and resistance to women in particular. The story of Saint Margaret, who refused marriage and pagan worship, resonated deeply in a society where women faced limited choices. In this print, the Saint’s triumph over the dragon, a symbol of evil, can be seen as a metaphor for female agency in the face of patriarchal oppression. Here, the dragon is not slain but harnessed, its power rendered manageable, presenting a narrative in which female strength is not about brute force, but strategic control. The restraint of the dragon, combined with Margaret's serene expression, suggests a nuanced portrayal of power. The artist offers a compelling reflection on the intersections of gender, faith, and power.