Getrouwde vrouw uit Afrika 1569

Fernando Bertelli's "Getrouwde vrouw uit Afrika," an engraving now at the Rijksmuseum, immediately presents a study in contrasts and subdued tones. The composition is dominated by the figure of a woman, rendered with delicate lines that delineate the folds of her garments. These lines both reveal and conceal, inviting the viewer to consider the interplay between exposure and concealment. The woman’s gesture, extending her hand, is a focal point, directing our gaze and creating a sense of connection and inquiry. Her posture and dress, identified as belonging to a married African woman, situate the work within a colonial context, prompting us to consider how identity is constructed through representation. Bertelli’s choice of engraving allows for precise detail. The varying densities of line create subtle gradations of tone, evoking depth and texture. The artist uses line not just descriptively, but also expressively, shaping our perception and engaging us in a dialogue about representation, identity, and cultural exchange.