Staande vrouw met hoed en waaier 1623 - 1653

Pieter Nolpe created this print of a standing woman with a hat and fan sometime in the mid-17th century, using etching on paper. It depicts a woman in profile, elegantly adorned with a feathered hat and a fan, set against a landscape with a horse-drawn carriage in the background. This image offers insight into the social norms and status symbols of the Dutch Golden Age. The woman's elaborate attire and leisurely setting suggest affluence and a life of privilege. The presence of the carriage further emphasizes her elevated social standing and access to resources. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas across society, and in affirming or challenging the social hierarchies of the day. To truly understand this artwork, we would need to delve into period fashion, sumptuary laws, and the cultural meanings associated with leisure and display. Through careful research, we can uncover the complex social dynamics at play in this seemingly simple image.