Thamar en Amnon 17th century

Herman van der Mijn rendered this watercolor of Thamar en Amnon sometime in the 18th century. It illustrates a biblical narrative, casting light on patriarchal power and female vulnerability. In this fraught scene, we witness the moment Amnon overpowers his half-sister, Thamar. Van der Mijn captures the brutal encounter with a dramatic flair, typical of the period. The setting— a lavishly decorated chamber — serves as a stark contrast to the violence unfolding. Thamar’s struggle is palpable; her body is twisted, her expression a mix of fear and desperation, whereas Amnon is determined, his grip firm, embodying male dominance. It is difficult to view this image outside the histories of sexual violence against women. Van der Mijn presents a moment of raw emotional intensity while holding the viewer accountable.