Semiramis 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this print of Semiramis, Queen of Assyria, sometime in the 17th century. Semiramis, a figure shrouded in myth, was known for her ambition and power. Della Bella captures her astride a rearing horse, a symbol of both her command and the exotic allure associated with the East. During the 17th century, depictions of powerful women were often fraught with tension, embodying both admiration and caution. Consider how Semiramis, as a female ruler, challenges conventional gender roles. Did she threaten the established patriarchal order? This image suggests her ability to rule, yet it also places her within a narrative of foreign, almost fantastical, power. Semiramis becomes a canvas for exploring early modern Europe’s complex relationship with female authority and its fascination with the ancient world. It's a lens through which we can examine the negotiations of power, gender, and cultural identity.