Zwangere non 1724

Jacob Gole created this engraving, "Pregnant Nun," around the turn of the 18th century. In it, we observe a nun, her hands clasped over her swollen abdomen, a symbol of both life and transgression. This motif of the "fallen woman" appears throughout art history, echoing in countless cautionary tales. Consider the parallel to Eve, whose transgression also led to new life, forever linking fertility with shame. The image taps into deeply rooted anxieties about female sexuality and religious authority. It's a potent blend of the sacred and profane, a visual embodiment of societal fears. The nun's figure resonates with the cyclical nature of such images, continually reappearing to confront and challenge viewers across the ages.