Wapenschild geflankeerd door allegorische figuren 1702 - 1767

Jacob Folkema created this diminutive engraving, “Wapenschild geflankeerd door allegorische figuren,” sometime in the 18th century. The print presents a coat of arms flanked by two allegorical figures, a common way to visualize power during the Dutch Golden Age. But look closely: The woman on the left, adorned with classical garb, is seated in front of symbols of wealth and culture. She holds a box, possibly containing valuables or documents, emblematic of prosperity and refined society. On the right, a female figure stands ready for battle, spear in hand and a naval battle raging behind her. These figures offer a fascinating glimpse into the gendered expectations of the period. Wealth and culture are feminized, while the defense of that wealth and culture, of the homeland, is also feminized, albeit in a very different mode, one of strength and military readiness. These images show the cultural narratives of gender at play in the construction of Dutch identity.