Portretten van twee onbekende vrouwen, beiden als herderin 1640

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger created these portraits of two unknown women, both depicted as shepherdesses, as an engraving. Made in the Netherlands, this double portrait presents an intriguing view into the social and cultural norms of the 17th century. The women, identified as "Alutea" and "Rosea", are idealized figures, embodying pastoral simplicity and elegance, set against backdrops of cityscapes. Their roles as shepherdesses reflect a broader fascination with the idyllic countryside, a theme often explored in art and literature of the time. The portrayal of women in such roles can be seen as both a commentary on and a reinforcement of social expectations. How do these images reflect the status and roles of women in Dutch society at the time? Were they intended as mere aesthetic objects, or did they carry deeper social or political meanings? To fully understand the portraits, one might delve into emblem books and contemporary literature that explore the symbolic meanings of the pastoral figures. By examining these historical sources, we can gain a richer understanding of the artwork within its specific social and institutional context.