Mulier Wiennensis Austri 1643 - 1644

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving, "Mulier Wiennensis Austri", depicting a Viennese woman. Her attire, especially the large, flat hat, is laden with cultural significance, echoing the trends of the 17th century. Consider the hat: it's not merely a fashion statement. Hats have long been symbols of status and identity. This particular style evokes associations with the attire of the upper classes. We might recall similar headwear in portraits across Europe. Yet, in each context, it subtly adapts, reflecting local customs. The gesture of her hands, gently holding her skirt, speaks volumes. It's a pose of modesty but also controlled elegance. Such gestures, passed down through generations, reveal the non-linear progression of symbols. They resurface and evolve, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.