Venantius Fortunatus leest zijn gedichten voor aan Radegonda VI 1846 - 1880

This artwork, created by Louis Lucas, depicts Venantius Fortunatus reading his poems to Radegund. The scene is rich with symbols, but let's focus on the depiction of Radegund herself. Here, we see a queen portrayed not with the usual symbols of power like a crown or throne, but reclining, almost passively listening to poetry. This gesture of quiet receptivity contrasts sharply with how female figures are presented across history. Think of Judith beheading Holofernes, a powerful, active depiction, or even the Virgin Mary, often shown as a maternal figure but also a strong spiritual presence. Radegund's relaxed pose perhaps points to the changing roles of women and power, where influence might be exerted through patronage rather than direct action. This image resonates with our collective memory, subtly engaging with our understanding of femininity and power. The motif of the reclining figure has resurfaced in different eras, each time imbued with new cultural meanings.