Engelse vrouw van stand met vouwwaaier 1639 - 1707

This is ‘Engelse vrouw van stand met vouwwaaier’ – or 'English noblewoman with folding fan' – made by Wenceslaus Hollar, a prolific printmaker of the 17th century. The technique is etching, using acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Hollar was a master of this method, particularly in his rendering of textiles. Look closely, and you can almost hear the rustle of this woman’s dress. The fabric practically shimmers, thanks to Hollar’s intricate cross-hatching. Prints like this were relatively affordable, which meant that fashion trends could circulate widely. This image is not just a portrait, but also a valuable document of sartorial culture at the time. Consider, though, that the fashion industry of that era relied on exploited labor. Sumptuous fabrics were made by skilled workers often laboring in harsh conditions. Hollar’s print, exquisite as it is, invites us to reflect on the social realities behind luxury. By appreciating the artist's technique, and considering the complex labor involved in its production, we gain a fuller appreciation of the artwork.