The Women of Weinsberg 1576 - 1629

Otto van Veen created this drawing, "The Women of Weinsberg," using pen and brown ink with brown wash on paper. The image depicts a medieval story where women of Weinsberg were allowed to leave a besieged city carrying whatever they could manage. The drawing highlights the women’s act of defiance as they carry their husbands and children, rather than valuables, out of the city. Van Veen’s artistic choices are striking because they challenge traditional gender roles within the context of war. Often, women are rendered invisible, erased from historical narratives, or portrayed merely as victims. Here, the artist draws attention to the women’s ingenuity and bravery. The viewer is encouraged to consider the power dynamics inherent in acts of resistance.