Joy BC
Hypatia (small green), 2025
Solid 18ct yellow gold, solid bronze, solid silver and natural emerald pendant
Handmade chain
Edition 2 of 3 plus 2AP
Signed, and hallmarked
This work is dedicated to Hypatia, the Greek mathematician, philosopher, and teacher who lived in Alexandria and was murdered in 415 CE. A woman of remarkable intellect in a deeply patriarchal society, Hypatia has become an enduring symbol of knowledge, independence, and the historical dangers faced by women who hold power and influence.
Some historians have drawn parallels between Hypatia’s death and later martyrdom narratives attributed to female saints, suggesting that elements of her story may have been reinterpreted over time. Whether historically verifiable or not, these associations point to a recurring pattern throughout history: the silencing, erasure, and violence endured by outspoken and visionary women.
This work forms part of the artist’s ongoing exploration of hidden or lesser-known histories of female protagonists. It honours Hypatia not only as a historical figure, but as a broader symbol of resilience, intellect, and female agency. At once a tribute and a subtle act of protest, the piece reflects on the enduring relevance of her story and the continued importance of remembering women whose voices shaped — and challenged — their worlds.
