Portret van Johanna Eleonora Petersen 1680 - 1709

Johann Christoph Boecklin created this engraving titled "Portret van Johanna Eleonora Petersen." Consider the status of women in the 17th century and the societal expectations placed upon them. Johanna is portrayed with a book, a symbol of knowledge and literacy, which were not always accessible to women of her time. It challenges the conventional representations of women as purely domestic figures. The piece subtly promotes the idea of female intellectualism. The attire of Johanna suggests a certain social standing and religious affiliation. Her clothing is modest, yet refined, reflecting the values of piety and restraint. This image resonates with the historical context of religious and social reform movements that emphasized personal devotion and moral integrity. Boecklin’s engraving offers a glimpse into the life and identity of a woman who perhaps defied the limitations imposed upon her gender. It invites us to reflect on the untold stories of women who sought knowledge and spiritual fulfillment in a world that often sought to confine them.