Jason bij het Gulden Vlies 1683

"Jason bij het Gulden Vlies," or "Jason and the Golden Fleece," was created by Abraham Dircksz Santvoort in the 17th century, a period of Dutch history marked by its burgeoning global trade and colonial ambitions. This print depicts a scene derived from Greek mythology, specifically the quest for the Golden Fleece. Jason, the hero, is shown confronting the dragon guarding the Fleece, set against a backdrop of a dense, European forest. This classical narrative, steeped in themes of heroism and conquest, mirrors the socio-political climate of the Dutch Republic, which was then expanding its influence and control over international trade routes. However, the image presents a very specific and gendered notion of power. Jason is presented as the active agent, tasked with subduing the dragon, a symbol often associated with untamed, feminine power. The Golden Fleece, the object of Jason's quest, represents wealth and power, obtained through conquest. It reflects the complex interplay between gender, power, and colonial ambition that shaped the Dutch Republic’s identity during this era.