Kwatrijnen bij de voorstellingen van Cibele R.M. en Iberida R.H. 1640

This page of text is by Crispijn van de Passe II, from around the 17th century. It bears verses dedicated to Cibele R.M. and Iberida R.H. The verses reveal the cultural lens through which women were viewed during this period. Cibele, addressed as a great shepherdess and mother of the earth, reflects the idealized image of women as nurturers and caretakers, deeply rooted in the land and its bounty. The Dutch text elevates her as a maternal figure worthy of Christian reverence, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations. Iberida's verses, tinged with classical allusions to Phœbus and Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece, depict women within the context of mythology and conquest. The language hints at themes of ownership and power, with Iberida's dominion over her sheep suggesting a realm of female agency, albeit within the confines of pastoral imagery. The choice of language – a mix of French and Dutch – underscores the cultural exchange of the era. The use of classical references alongside vernacular expressions highlights the complex interplay between tradition and contemporary life, revealing the nuanced identities and societal roles of women during this time.