Aspasia 

Eugène Delacroix created this sensitive pencil drawing entitled ‘Aspasia’. During the 19th century, there was a surge of interest in historical figures, particularly from classical antiquity, seen as a source of wisdom. Aspasia of Miletus was a remarkable woman who lived in ancient Greece. Though a foreigner, she became influential in Athenian society because of her intelligence and rhetorical skills. She’s often depicted as an equal to her husband Pericles, and as someone who ran a salon frequented by intellectuals like Socrates. Yet, her legacy is also complicated. As a woman in a patriarchal society, her power was always mediated through her relationships with men. Delacroix’s depiction captures a certain enigmatic quality. Her serene gaze and poised demeanor hints at both her intellectual prowess, and the constraints placed on women in positions of power. He emphasizes the emotional and intellectual depth of his subject. The drawing reminds us to consider the challenges faced by women who defy societal expectations, both then and now.