Portret van Johanna van Blois 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode II created this portrait of Johanna van Blois, using engraving, sometime in the 17th century. During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age, marked by unprecedented economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. The portrait offers a glimpse into the era's social hierarchies and gendered expectations. Johanna’s identity as a woman of means is proclaimed by her elaborate attire; the pearls, lace, and rich fabrics. The artist uses specific visual cues which reflect the subject’s position and wealth in Dutch society. Note her gaze, which carries a hint of self-awareness, and a quiet sense of confidence. Portraits like these often served as symbols of status and lineage. The way Johanna is depicted is less about individual personality and more about conveying a certain image aligned with societal ideals. The image maintains established representations, yet the subject’s expression hints at a complex individual existing within the confines of her time.