Vrouw met zwarte hoofddoek 1644 - 1647

Wenceslaus Hollar created this etching, "Woman with a Black Headscarf," using delicate lines to depict a woman whose gaze meets ours with quiet intensity. Hollar, who lived through the tumultuous Thirty Years' War, often captured the subtleties of human expression amidst conflict. The woman’s headscarf, while a common garment of the time, invites us to consider the layers of identity and social role. Is it a sign of modesty, mourning, or simply a practical covering? The lace trim of her sleeve hints at a certain status, yet her covered head suggests a deliberate negotiation of visibility. Hollar’s detailed rendering encourages us to reflect on the lived experiences of women in the 17th century. What does it mean to be seen, and to choose how much of oneself is revealed to the world? This image offers a space for contemplating such questions.