Virginius and Virginia (?) 19th century

This drawing, Virginius and Virginia (?), was made by Wilhelm von Kaulbach using pen and brown ink with gray wash. Kaulbach lived through a period of significant political upheaval in Europe, including the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of nationalism. It’s hard not to read this image through the lens of gender and power. Here we see a scene laden with emotional intensity, likely depicting a father’s tragic decision to protect his daughter from sexual exploitation. The composition, with its emphasis on the male figures and the prostrate female form, evokes questions about agency, sacrifice, and the representation of women in art. It invites us to reflect on the historical and cultural contexts that shaped such narratives and to consider the ways in which gender and power dynamics are portrayed. Kaulbach’s work encourages an understanding of how societal values are embedded in artistic expression. What does it mean to witness such a dramatic scene, and how does it shape our understanding of morality, justice, and the complex interplay of gender and power?