Vrouw met zuil als personificatie van Kracht (Fortitudo) 1510 - 1575

This is an anonymous print at the Rijksmuseum, portraying a woman with a column embodying Fortitudo, or Strength. The composition immediately draws our eye to the interplay between the woman and the column. She leans against it, her form echoing its solid, unwavering verticality. There's a dance of textures here too: the smooth, polished surface of the column contrasts with the flowing drapery and wild, untamed hair. But let’s consider this pairing more deeply. The column, a symbol of stability, is juxtaposed with the dynamic pose of the woman. Her arm reaches up, her gaze directed beyond the frame, suggesting not just physical strength but also resilience and an indomitable spirit. The rendering of her figure—robust, yet graceful—challenges conventional ideals of feminine beauty, presenting strength as an inherent quality. Ultimately, this print invites us to reconsider traditional notions of power, suggesting that true strength lies not just in unwavering support, but also in the ability to adapt and overcome.