Melinte redt Ariane te paard uit het door Néron in brand gestoken huis 1639

Abraham Bosse created this engraving depicting ‘Melinte redt Ariane te paard uit het door Néron in brand gestoken huis’ or, Melinte saving Ariane on horseback from the house set on fire by Nero. Engravings like this one served as visual records of historical and mythical events, reflecting the cultural values and moral lessons that were important during the 17th century. We see one woman, Ariane, being saved by another. It is hard to tell if the savior is a woman or a man, but it is interesting to consider that the story is a reflection of female solidarity. It emphasizes bravery and the will to protect one another, especially in times of crisis. We are left to wonder if there is a deeper meaning behind the story or a criticism of leadership during the 17th century. As the viewer, we are confronted with a scene of destruction but are drawn to the bond between the women.