Tålmodighed (Patientia) 1615

Jan Saenredam created this engraving, Tålmodighed (Patientia), which translates to Patience, at the turn of the 17th century in the Netherlands. The piece depicts a seated woman looking towards the sky and is a study on the virtue of patience. During this era, there was a strong interest in classical ideals and allegorical representations. Saenredam draws upon these traditions, yet his work invites us to consider the intersections of gender and virtue in a patriarchal society. Patience, often framed as a virtue, can also be seen as a form of enforced passivity. Saenredam’s engraving prompts us to consider the complexities of patience, especially as it relates to power dynamics and societal expectations. It is a deeply personal work that carries a weight of cultural and historical baggage.