Vrouwen brengen offer aan Priapus 1500 - 1508

Jacopo de' Barbari created this engraving, "Women Offering to Priapus," around the turn of the 16th century. During the Renaissance, a renewed interest in classical antiquity surfaced, with artists frequently reinterpreting classical myths and deities through a contemporary lens. Here, we see women making offerings to Priapus, an ancient god of fertility, gardens, and male genitalia. De' Barbari depicts an intimate scene, weaving together themes of sexuality, fertility, and female agency. The women’s expressions and gestures convey a sense of reverence and participation in the ritual. This interpretation reflects the patriarchal norms of the time but also hints at female solidarity and the importance of fertility in society. De’ Barbari does not shy away from sensuality, yet he frames the scene within a socially accepted religious context. The artist invites us to consider the complex dynamics between the sacred and the profane, and the diverse roles women played in Renaissance society.