Kracht (Fortitudo) 1585 - 1589

This engraving, "Kracht (Fortitudo)," was created by Jacob Matham in the late 16th or early 17th century. Immediately striking is the figure of Fortitude, who dominates the composition with her robust form and the massive column she carries. The contrasting textures – the smoothness of her skin against the rough-hewn stone – create a compelling visual tension. The image's meaning stems from its formal arrangement. The column, a symbol of strength, bisects the composition, creating a visual metaphor for the burdens and pressures the virtuous must bear. Matham uses the contrasting textures and the dynamic pose of Fortitude to explore the relationship between inner strength and external challenges. The figure is not merely displaying force, but embodying a state of resilience. Observe the gaze of the central figure looking down; this element functions as a signifier, drawing us into a semiotic reading where the subject's humility and resolve are highlighted. This engraving thus transcends a simple depiction of strength, functioning as a meditation on moral fortitude within the vicissitudes of life.