Mulier Antuerpiensis 1643

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, titled Mulier Antuerpiensis, in 1643. Hollar was born in Prague but spent a significant part of his career in England, documenting its society and culture. Here, Hollar presents a woman from Antwerp, rendered with a keen eye for detail. The print offers a glimpse into the fashion and social identity of women in 17th-century Antwerp. The woman’s clothing, from her broad-brimmed hat to the patterned fabric of her bodice and the pail she carries, speaks to her status and role within her community. These sartorial choices reflect the values and expectations placed on women, signaling both their social standing and adherence to cultural norms. Consider how the artist has captured not just the woman's appearance, but also something of her lived experience, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and social context.