Jael, from the series "Famous Women of Antiquity" early 20th century (original from c.1540-46)

Editor: This bronze piece, titled "Jael, from the series 'Famous Women of Antiquity,'" shows a woman holding a hammer and what looks like a stake. The composition is so striking. What do you see in this depiction of Jael? Curator: I see a potent representation of female agency, rooted in a complex historical narrative. Jael's story, often overlooked, highlights a woman enacting violence against an enemy of her people. This work makes me consider power dynamics, gender roles, and the justification of violence within specific cultural contexts. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It's interesting to see how the piece engages with themes of female empowerment. Curator: It invites us to grapple with uncomfortable questions about the intersection of gender, power, and violence in history.