Martesie 1620 - 1664

"Martesie," a 17th-century etching by Stefano della Bella, depicts the legendary queen of the Amazons, a warrior race of women. This intricate work captures Martesie on horseback, adorned in armor and holding a flag, a testament to her martial prowess. The etching is a detailed and expressive representation of a figure from classical mythology, reflecting the artist's mastery of line and detail. The etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, stands as a reminder of the enduring fascination with these strong and independent women from antiquity.