Toorn 1550 - 1625

Pieter Jalhea Furnius produced this engraving, called Toorn, at an unknown date. The image offers a glimpse into the cultural anxieties of the late 16th century. It shows a female figure representing wrath, armed and ready for battle, with a bear at her side and a burning city in the background. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the tumultuous times of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The figure of wrath could be interpreted as a commentary on the destructive nature of conflict and the passions that fuel it. The burning city evokes the widespread devastation caused by the war, and invites reflection on the social and political upheaval of the era. The bear may be read as symbolic of untamed aggression. The latin inscription at the bottom is from Horace and Seneca and speaks of keeping anger in check. To fully understand this artwork, we can turn to historical texts, political pamphlets, and other visual representations of the period. By examining these sources, we can gain deeper insights into the complex interplay of art, politics, and society in the Dutch Golden Age.