Mulier ex Ducatu Wirttembergensi 1643

Wenceslaus Hollar made this print of a woman from the Duchy of Wurttemberg sometime in the 17th century, using the technique of etching. In this process, a metal plate is coated with wax, the artist scratches an image into the wax, and then the plate is bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal. Ink fills these grooves, and the image is transferred to paper. The fine, descriptive lines and the contrast of tones achieved in this portrait speak to Hollar's skill. But consider the social context, too. Prints like this circulated widely, democratizing images and information. They allowed for the study of fashion and culture across geographical boundaries. The detailed rendering of the woman’s garments is telling. Sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what, reflecting social status and economic power. By depicting her clothing so meticulously, Hollar provides a glimpse into the social fabric of her time. Looking at the material and the making of this print, we are invited to see beyond the image itself, and to understand the complex interplay of art, craft, and society.