Portret van Geertruida Hasselaer c. 1645s

Jacob Lutma made this print of Geertruida Hasselaer in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. It offers a fascinating look at the social status and expectations of women during the Dutch Golden Age. The image is created through the technique of etching, a relatively new method that allowed for detailed and reproducible images. The cultural references are subtle but significant. Geertruida's clothing, while not overly extravagant, signifies her belonging to the upper middle class, a class that gained prominence due to the booming Dutch economy. The backdrop, a draped curtain, is a common trope in portraiture, lending an air of sophistication and importance to the sitter. The work does not overtly critique the social structures of its time, it subtly reinforces them by portraying a woman in a manner befitting her social position. To fully understand the print, we need to consider the prevailing social norms and the role of women in Dutch society at that time. Research into family histories, fashion, and the economic conditions of the era could provide additional insights into its meaning.