Grietgen (Margaretha) Jansdr. 1580

This is an engraving of Grietgen Jansdr., made by Hendrick Goltzius, around 1588. The portrait is contained within an oval frame, which gives the composition a sense of enclosure and focus. Note the intricate and highly refined lines that capture the subject's likeness and details of her costume. Goltzius uses hatching and cross-hatching to create areas of shadow and depth, particularly noticeable in the folds of her ruff and the contours of her face. The use of line is not just descriptive but also expressive, conveying texture and volume with remarkable precision, especially when you consider the small scale. The oval format, combined with the inscription, lends the print a sense of classical order and harmony. The visual elements of line and form invite you to consider how Goltzius merges technical skill with artistic expression. Each line contributes to the overall visual experience, embodying the fusion of observation, artistry, and cultural values that mark Goltzius' work.