Jaël doodt Sisera 1648

Willem Basse created this etching, "Jaël Doodt Sisera," which translates to "Jael Kills Sisera", sometime during his life between 1613 and 1672. The print depicts a biblical scene of a woman, Jael, assassinating Sisera, a defeated commander who sought refuge in her tent. This piece offers a glimpse into 17th-century interpretations of gender, power, and morality. Sisera’s vulnerability as he sleeps invites us to consider the dynamics of power and betrayal, while Jael’s resolute action challenges traditional notions of femininity and passivity. The scene doesn't shy away from the violence of the act, yet it frames Jael as a figure of righteousness, subverting any simple reading of her actions. Does Jael’s act reflect a moment of female empowerment, or does it serve to reinforce the stereotype of women as devious? This print offers a historical lens through which to consider the complexities of gender, violence, and moral judgment.