Dimensions: height 17.7 cm, diameter cm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This goblet with the portrait of Betje Wolff was made by David Wolff in the 18th century. It's an engraved glass that connects to a fascinating moment in Dutch history. Betje Wolff, depicted here, was a well-known writer who challenged the social norms of her time. In 18th century Netherlands, the rise of literacy and print culture created a space for female writers like Wolff to express their opinions on subjects ranging from politics to religion. This goblet serves as a symbol of the cultural significance of these literary figures and the power of art and craft to celebrate their lives. By placing Wolff’s image on a goblet, Wolff’s work is elevated. To fully understand its significance, we might look into the history of glass engraving in the Netherlands, the role of women in 18th-century Dutch society, and the writings of Betje Wolff herself. This goblet serves as a reminder that art is always rooted in a particular time, place, and set of social relations.
The portrait is done by means of stippling. A scriber was used to mark the glass with tiny dots. Dots placed further apart produce a darker hue, while those placed closer together yield lighter shades. On the back, the engraver included his own name and that of the patron: WOLF STIPTE DEES BEELDNIS OP HEINSIUS LAST (Wolf stippled this likeness at Heinsius’ request).
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