Goblet with the Portrait of Betje Wolff c. 1786

This goblet with the portrait of Betje Wolff was made by David Wolff in the 18th century. It's an engraved glass that connects to a fascinating moment in Dutch history. Betje Wolff, depicted here, was a well-known writer who challenged the social norms of her time. In 18th century Netherlands, the rise of literacy and print culture created a space for female writers like Wolff to express their opinions on subjects ranging from politics to religion. This goblet serves as a symbol of the cultural significance of these literary figures and the power of art and craft to celebrate their lives. By placing Wolff’s image on a goblet, Wolff’s work is elevated. To fully understand its significance, we might look into the history of glass engraving in the Netherlands, the role of women in 18th-century Dutch society, and the writings of Betje Wolff herself. This goblet serves as a reminder that art is always rooted in a particular time, place, and set of social relations.