Mulier Augustae Vindelicorum 

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving of a woman, sometime in the 17th century. During this period, fashion was not merely a matter of personal taste, but a clear indicator of social standing and cultural identity. The woman's attire speaks volumes about her place in society; her high ruff and ornate dress suggest a certain level of affluence and adherence to the fashion norms of her time. Hollar, through his detailed etching, not only captures the likeness of the woman, but also provides a glimpse into the rigid social structures that dictated how individuals presented themselves. Consider how the act of portraiture itself was a means of asserting power and status. Whose stories were deemed worthy of preservation, and how were these individuals represented? What do you think? The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its ability to evoke questions about the complexities of identity, representation, and the enduring power of images to shape our understanding of the past.