Portret van Johanna Koerten 1716 - 1718

Jacob Houbraken created this print, "Portret van Johanna Koerten," an engraving, sometime before his death in 1780. It commemorates the life of Johanna Koerten, a woman who defied the gendered expectations of her time. In the 17th and 18th centuries, women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, yet Koerten achieved international fame as a skilled artist. She excelled in the unique medium of paper cutting, creating intricate and detailed artworks that captured the attention of prominent figures and institutions. Houbraken’s print elevates Koerten to the status of a muse. It’s an allegorical representation of her fame. The cherubic figures and heraldic symbols that adorn the portrait are more than decorative elements. They testify to the extraordinary nature of her accomplishments. This image asks us to consider how society recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women and to think about the obstacles they face in pursuing their creative passions.