Pallas 1594

Jan Saenredam created this engraving of Pallas, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, sometime between 1589 and 1607. Here, Pallas’s complex identity takes center stage, as the engraving invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of female power in the late 16th century. She’s armed for battle, yet her exposed breast hints at vulnerability, challenging the era’s strict gender roles. The inclusion of Medusa's head on her shield isn't just an emblem of victory; it's a potent symbol of transformation and protection. The owl, a symbol of wisdom, nestled in the clouds, complements Pallas’s identity as a deity of strategic thought. This Pallas isn't a mere reproduction of classical ideals. She embodies the complex negotiations of power, intellect, and vulnerability that women navigated during the Renaissance, inviting us to contemplate the nuanced layers of identity and representation.