Kracht Possibly 1578 - 1709

Hendrick Goltzius crafted this engraving, "Kracht", meaning "Strength", a figure personifying Fortitude, rendered around 1586 and now held at the Rijksmuseum. Here, Fortitude is depicted as a robust, nude female figure, leaning casually against a broken column, its symbolism speaks volumes. The broken column typically represents the collapse of structures—be they societal, moral, or physical—yet here, it underscores the idea that true strength lies in resilience, in upholding oneself amidst ruin. The lion's skin draped over her arm links her to Hercules, a hero whose strength was as much about moral fiber as it was about physical prowess. This symbol echoes through time, seen in countless depictions of heroes and saints, each bearing the weight of their trials with unwavering resolve. The motif is not static; it evolves, reflecting society's changing values and ideals of strength. It's a potent reminder of our collective, often subconscious, understanding of what it means to persevere, engaging us on a deeply emotional level. This image is a reminder that strength is not merely physical, but a complex interplay of endurance, moral rectitude, and the ability to rebuild after devastation.