Muurpaneel met twee zittende vrouwen onder verticale lijst 1647

Michel Dorigny created this mural panel with two seated women under a vertical list, sometime in the 17th century. The print reflects the ornamental style prevalent during the Baroque period, where classical and mythological elements were frequently used to convey power and sophistication. The two women in the lower portion of the panel represent how gender roles were constructed and idealized in art. The women are depicted as allegorical figures, perhaps representing abundance or maritime power, indicated by the trident. They are symbols rather than individuals, embodying qualities admired in women of the era: beauty, nurturing, and strength in a symbolic sense. Their idealized forms also contrast with the realities of women's lives during this period, where opportunities were limited by social norms. The landscape in the central panel offers a serene, Arcadian vision, a retreat from the complex social realities of the time. This decorative panel invites us to consider the contrasts between ideal representations and lived experiences, reflecting on the emotional and social landscapes of the 17th century.