Hera Hiding during the Battle of the Gods and Giants after 1643

Carel Fabritius painted Hera Hiding during the Battle of the Gods and Giants in the mid-17th century. The painting depicts Hera, the queen of the gods, seeking refuge during a tumultuous battle, a scene drawn from classical mythology. But the choice of this subject in the Netherlands at this time provides an interesting insight into the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age. During this time, the Netherlands was establishing itself as a major economic and maritime power, with a burgeoning sense of national identity. Fabritius, working in this environment, might have chosen to portray Hera not as a powerful queen, but as a figure seeking refuge, to comment on the disruptions of war and the desire for peace and stability during a time of conflict and change. Understanding the social and political context of the Dutch Golden Age helps us to consider how artists like Fabritius used classical narratives to reflect the concerns and aspirations of their own society. By researching the historical events, economic conditions, and cultural values of the time, we can gain deeper insights into the meanings and motivations behind works of art.