Leonilla verandert in een sinaasappelboom 1640 - 1646

Cornelis Bloemaert created this engraving, "Leonilla verandert in een sinaasappelboom", sometime in the 17th century. It depicts a scene of transformation and divine intervention set within a landscape, drawing upon classical mythology—a common theme during the Baroque period. The artwork presents a complex interplay between vulnerability and power, as we see Leonilla embracing the tree, undergoing a metamorphosis to escape her pursuers, while a statue of a muscular man overlooks the scene. Bloemaert's engraving invites us to consider the gendered dynamics present in this mythological narrative, where women often seek refuge through transformation, highlighting the limitations and dangers faced by women in patriarchal societies. The expressions of the surrounding figures convey a mix of fear and awe. The presence of a dead boar also hints at themes of the hunt and sacrifice, common in Baroque art. This engraving captures a moment of profound change, inviting us to reflect on themes of protection, identity, and the negotiation of power within historical and cultural contexts.