Aethopissa before 1558

"Aethopissa" is a 16th-century etching by Enea Vico, an Italian artist who lived from 1523 to 1567. The print depicts a woman dressed in a long robe, with her head covered and her hand raised in a gesture of speaking or gesturing. This etching, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, demonstrates Vico's skill in capturing the details of clothing and expression. The image's simplicity and focus on a single figure are characteristic of Renaissance art, highlighting the human form and narrative potential. This work is an example of the artist's interest in historical figures and classical literature, likely depicting a queen from Ethiopian history.