Wandkandelaar 1775 - 1790

This is Wandkandelaar, an etching by A. Colinet. Notice the way the decorative design incorporates images that speak to both power and beauty. The symmetry of the work initially suggests order and control, but look closer. Consider how the central figure of the woman is framed by symbols of strength: the shield, helmet, and weapons. What does it mean to encase this woman in armor? Is she a figure to be protected, or is she a warrior in her own right? The lion at the base and foliage intertwined with the candelabras add layers to this reading. How do these elements challenge or reinforce the initial impressions of power and femininity? This piece invites us to consider the complex interplay between gender, strength, and ornamentation. It serves as a powerful reminder of how visual language shapes our understanding of identity.