Engelse vrouw van stand met bloemen in de hand 1638 - 1707

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print of an English noblewoman with flowers, using etching, sometime in the 17th century. The etching process allowed Hollar to capture the rich textures of her dress. Look closely, and you can see how the lines vary in thickness and density, creating a play of light and shadow. The material of her dress is depicted as a shimmering expanse of fabric, with all the labor that went into producing the textile glossed over. The lace trim and jewelry denote her high status in society. As a print, this image could be reproduced and widely circulated, playing a role in constructing and communicating ideals of beauty and class. Consider the contrast between the relative ease with which the print could be made, and the labor involved in producing the garments that it shows. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between art, craft, and the social hierarchies of the time.