Buste van Poppaea Sabina 1646 - 1670

This is Hubert Quellinus's engraving of Poppaea Sabina, made sometime during his lifetime in the 17th century. Quellinus was working in the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense cultural and economic growth in the Netherlands, as well as a time in which there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Here, the artist presents us with a vision of feminine beauty and power through the figure of Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of the Roman Emperor Nero. Poppaea was known for her ambition and influence, and her story is one of navigating the treacherous waters of the Roman court. Quellinus captures her likeness, imbuing the portrait with a sense of her poise and status. As the viewer, you are invited to contemplate Poppaea’s identity as a woman in a world dominated by men. This engraving gives form to a life of luxury and influence. The artwork reminds us of the enduring fascination with figures who challenge and shape their historical moments. It invites us to look more closely at gender, power, and representation across time.