Standing Female Figure with an Anchor ("Spes") 1600 - 1630

Hinrich Degener made this drawing of a standing female figure with an anchor, or "Spes," in pen and brown ink with gray wash and white heightening. The female figure is an allegorical representation of hope, a common theme in 17th century art. This was a period marked by religious and political upheaval, especially the Thirty Years' War which ravaged much of Europe. In this context, the virtue of hope took on a particular resonance. The iconography of "Spes" draws heavily from classical antiquity, but here she is rendered in a more dynamic, baroque style with dramatic lighting. The drawing reflects a self-conscious awareness of art-historical tradition. Understanding the social and institutional contexts of artistic production is essential to art history. By examining period documents, letters, and other archival materials, the historian can better understand the public role of art in early modern Europe. This approach allows us to appreciate the drawing not just as a beautiful object, but as a reflection of a specific cultural moment.