In the 17th century, Sweden and the Dutch Republic maintained a strong trade alliance, which was partly due to the activities of Dutch entrepreneur Louis de Geer (1587-1652). De Geer had earned a...Show moreIn the 17th century, Sweden and the Dutch Republic maintained a strong trade alliance, which was partly due to the activities of Dutch entrepreneur Louis de Geer (1587-1652). De Geer had earned a fortune from the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) by manufacturing cannons at an unprecedented scale for King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden (1594-1632). Furthermore, Gustav’s daughter, Queen Christina Maria Alexandra (1626-1689), maintained a good relationship with De Geer. Christina was ambitious at an early age and acquired an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, objects and works of art. In order to reach this goal, Christina engaged various Dutch painters, scientists and agents, who were often art dealers with a large network. Michel Le Blon suggested the young and talented David Beck (1621-1656), who was a student of the well-known Anthony van Dyck (15991641). From 1647 until Beck’s death in 1656, Queen Christina of Sweden engaged the Dutch portrait painter. During this period, Beck painted portraits of various Swedish diplomats such as Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna (1583-1654) and portraits of Christina herself. As a political strategy, Christina assigned Beck to distribute and donate a specific portrait of herself to European sovereigns. Theretofore, Beck travelled throughout Europe and visited Gutter, Amsterdam, Rome and Paris. The activities of Beck give the impression that he was involved in diplomatic strategies, and if so, could one say that the portrait painter was an agent? For example, what messages are embodied in the portraits that Beck painted of Christina? Is it to say that his paintings were used as a diplomatic weapon? Was Beck himself a diplomatic asset, and were Beck’s artistic activities closely connected to the task to propagate the image of Christina of Sweden? Is it trustworthy to say that he adapted well to the diplomatic world since many sovereigns loved his courtesy and attitudeShow less
This thesis aims to address how we should seek to tackle violations of women’s rights in non-ideal societies. I argue that methodologically, the top down, or state led approach to bringing about...Show moreThis thesis aims to address how we should seek to tackle violations of women’s rights in non-ideal societies. I argue that methodologically, the top down, or state led approach to bringing about gender justice should be supplemented by bottom up, agent led initiatives. Women frequently find their rights violated and their capabilities stifled and this inequality is an indicator of a non-ideal society. We should look to our non-ideal society to decide how best to overcome gender inequalities rather than only to an ideal society. Further to this, state led approaches to achieving justice have typically been favoured over agent led ones. In many aspects state led approaches are helpful, for instance in enforcing rules to protect women, however they should be used in tandem with bottom up initiatives. Bottom up initiatives have an important role to play in encouraging a shift in societal ethos: they can empower women and help put them in a better cultural position.Show less
