Portret van Maria de Wilde op 17-jarige leeftijd 1699

This is Pieter van den Berge’s print of Maria de Wilde at age seventeen. Produced in the 17th century Netherlands, it was a time when the Dutch Republic was a major center of trade and art. Maria de Wilde was born into a wealthy and intellectual environment that was uncommon for women. The Latin text surrounding Maria’s portrait elevates her to the status of a ‘shining jewel’ amongst virgins, emphasizing her intellectual gifts as the equal of Minerva. The portrait, with its oval frame and inscription, elevates Maria to a level of cultural significance. We see not just a young woman, but a symbol of female potential, celebrated within the constraints of her time. The print, intended for circulation, suggests the pride her family took, and their wish to present Maria as a beacon of feminine intellect and virtue. In viewing this image, we can see both the celebration of Maria’s individuality and the societal expectations placed upon her.