Strasbourg Woman 1644 - 1650

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving of a Strasbourg Woman. The composition focuses on the woman's figure, rendered with meticulous detail through fine, precise lines. The textures, from the fur trim of her jacket to the intricate ruff around her neck, are strikingly captured. Structurally, the image is divided into distinct zones of dark and light, creating a visually compelling contrast. The density of the lines forms darker areas that define the contours of her clothing, set against the lighter background. This play of light and shadow not only gives the figure volume but also emphasizes the materiality of the fabrics and furs. The woman's gaze meets ours directly, engaging us in a silent dialogue. Her attire, meticulously rendered, speaks to specific cultural codes and the semiotics of dress in 17th-century Strasbourg. Ultimately, the artwork captures a moment in time, preserving the visual language of fashion and identity. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions are rich with cultural meaning, inviting ongoing interpretation.