Mulier Svevica Inferioris Conditionis 1642

Wenceslaus Hollar, a 17th-century printmaker, created this engraving depicting a Swedish woman of lower social standing. Hollar was known for his detailed and realistic depictions of people and places. The title, "Mulier Svevica Inferioris Conditionis," translates to "Swedish Woman of Lower Condition," immediately framing the subject within a hierarchy. This work offers insights into the era's social structure and its perceptions of gender and class. The woman is shown barefoot, carrying a basket overflowing with goods, and a chain of keys hangs from her waist, all signifiers of her domestic role and perhaps her servitude. Hollar's prints often served as visual records, documenting contemporary life and customs. This particular work reflects the prevailing attitudes toward women and their place within the social order. It prompts us to consider the lives of ordinary women in 17th-century Sweden. Though it is through the lens of a male artist, it serves as a poignant reminder of the everyday realities and quiet resilience of those whose stories are often overlooked.