Jacoba of Bavaria (1401-1436), countess of Holland and Zeeland c. 1879

Here is Pieter Willem Sebes' oil on panel painting, a posthumous portrait of Jacoba of Bavaria, who lived from 1401 to 1436 and held the title of Countess of Holland and Zeeland. Sebes, working in the 19th century, evokes the visual language of the historical portrait to frame Jacoba, who was a powerful woman in a male-dominated world. Her elaborate headdress and the fine details of her clothing speak to her noble status, while the somber colors may allude to the political turmoil and personal challenges she faced throughout her life. Jacoba, as a woman in power, was consistently challenged and undermined by the patriarchal structures of her time. She was forced to fight for her inheritance and her right to rule. Her life was marked by political intrigue, broken alliances, and personal betrayals. This portrait prompts us to consider the narratives of women in history, whose stories often remain untold or are overshadowed by those of men. Jacoba's strength and resilience invite reflection on the complexities of power, gender, and identity.