Martesie 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this small etching, "Martesie," sometime between 1620 and 1664. It depicts Martesia, Queen of the Amazons, daughter of Mars, astride a rearing horse, a banner raised in her right hand. The early modern fascination with Amazons speaks volumes about gender roles and power dynamics of the time. Here, Martesia embodies both feminine strength and military prowess. The text tells us she conquered parts of Europe and Asia, challenging contemporary assumptions of women's capabilities. Yet, the image is also complex. Is it a celebration or a cautionary tale? How does Martesia, as a female warrior, fit into the patriarchal structures of 17th-century Europe? Della Bella invites us to consider the nuanced ways in which gender, power, and identity intersect in the stories we tell ourselves about the past. This image invites us to explore the legends and realities of powerful women.