Eine Frau segelt auf einem Meerwesen mit Amoretten übers Wasser c. 1575 - 1580

Luca Cambiaso made this drawing of a woman sailing on a sea creature with amoretti in ink in the 16th century. Cambiaso worked in Genoa during a time when the city was a major port and a center of trade. The influence of the sea is clearly visible in this mythological scene, but the drawing also reflects the gendered expectations of his time. The woman depicted has a strong, almost masculine physique which sharply contrasts with the more feminized cherubs surrounding her. She is the active protagonist, while they are passively riding along. The sea creature itself seems to function as a means of transportation and is being steered by the woman, illustrating the ways in which women could take control of their lives within the confines of societal norms. The intense drama of the scene is enhanced by the use of light and shadow. These elements highlight not only the physical strength of the woman, but also a kind of emotional resilience in the face of the unknown. The artwork thus explores themes of power, femininity, and the negotiation of identity.