Allegorische vrouwenfiguur (Fortuna?) met wapperende sjerp Possibly 1652 - 1680

This drawing by Valentin Lefebvre, made around the mid-17th century, captures an allegorical female figure, perhaps Fortuna, with a fluttering sash. The figure's dynamic pose and flowing drapery evoke a sense of movement and transformation. Consider the image of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and luck. Often depicted with wings and a billowing veil, she symbolizes the unpredictability of fate. This motif of the billowing cloth appears across art history, from Sandro Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus" to even contemporary photography. The cloth itself represents both vulnerability and power; it conceals and reveals, suggesting the hidden forces that shape our lives. The emotional pull here is undeniable: the figure’s upward gaze and outstretched arm suggest a longing or aspiration, tapping into our collective desire for a better future. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, all while engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, each time a new artist picks up the motif.