Voetstuk met beeld van staande vrouw 1772 - 1779

This print of a pedestal and statue of a standing woman was made by Jean Pelletier in the 18th century. We see a woman in classical garb, holding a shield emblazoned with a Medusa-like face, and raising a torch. The Medusa, with her petrifying gaze, is an ancient symbol. She appears in various forms across classical art as both a protective emblem, warding off evil, and a representation of danger itself. Here, she serves as a potent reminder of the power of fear, wielded as a weapon. The torch, traditionally, has been used to symbolize enlightenment, hope, and, paradoxically, destruction. This image has been passed down through time, changing and evolving. It touches upon our collective memory, engaging subconscious processes related to protection, power, and fear. It is a potent image that still has the power to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level.