Heilige Agnes 1574

This drawing of Saint Agnes was made by an anonymous artist using pen and brown ink, brush in brown and gray ink, and white gouache. Agnes was a virgin martyr, a young woman who chose death over marriage, dedicating herself instead to the Christian faith. The imagery here—the lamb which is Agnes's attribute as well as a symbol of Christ, along with the palm of martyrdom that she holds— speaks to a history of female strength rooted in religious devotion. It represents a culturally specific narrative of female power, one which is still in circulation today. How might we reconcile the patriarchal structures of the church with the image of a young woman who defied societal expectations, asserting agency over her own body and destiny? Although the drawing presents a specific religious narrative, its focus on female strength and devotion invites a broader reflection on identity, choice, and the diverse ways in which individuals navigate their paths.