Kwatrijnen bij de voorstellingen van Mantuana I.M.R. en Galligana R.F. 1640

Crispijn van de Passe II created "Kwatrijnen bij de voorstellingen van Mantuana I.M.R. en Galligana R.F." sometime in the 17th century. During this period, there was a growing interest in the representation of women in positions of power, leadership, and influence, often within the context of courtly life and aristocratic society. This print engages with the identities and roles of women through the written word. It likely reflects the historical and cultural context of its time, including prevailing attitudes toward women's roles, expectations, and representations in society. Each quatrain may allude to specific qualities, virtues, or attributes associated with the women being represented. The text weaves together themes of virtue, prudence, and power, portraying the women as figures of authority and influence. The artwork might challenge or subvert traditional gender norms of the time. These poetic texts create an emotional and intellectual experience, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and representation in early modern Europe.