Portret van Anna Roemers Visscher before 1881

Johannes Arnoldus Boland created this portrait of Anna Roemers Visscher using etching. The piece reflects the complex intersections of gender, class, and cultural identity of the 17th century. Visscher, who lived from 1583-1651, was a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age, an era of immense cultural and economic growth for the Netherlands. In that period, the rising merchant class allowed women to gain more access to education. As such, Visscher was known as an accomplished poet, artist, and scholar, celebrated for her intellect and artistic talent. Boland's delicate etching shows a serene and composed woman, her gaze turned downwards, framed by the fashion of the time. What does it mean to capture the likeness of a woman who was breaking barriers in a society with strict gender roles? How might Visscher’s own experiences and beliefs shaped her identity and contributions? This portrait not only commemorates an individual but invites us to reflect on the narratives of women throughout history.