Mof, gezien van vijf kanten 1645 - 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar etched this study of a muff in 1647, capturing it from five different angles. The muff, a fashion accessory of the 17th century, transcends mere function; it becomes a symbol of warmth, status, and perhaps even veiled sensuality. Consider the recurring motif of the wrapped hand, shielded within the fur. This gesture appears throughout art history – think of veiled Madonnas or figures concealing their faces in times of grief. There is a primal urge to hide or protect, deeply ingrained in our collective psyche. The muff both hides and adorns, creating an alluring mystery around the wearer's hand. The softness of the fur, meticulously rendered by Hollar, evokes feelings of comfort and luxury. This speaks to our deep-seated desire for security, tracing back to infancy and the need for maternal care. The muff, therefore, becomes more than a fashion statement; it is a vessel of complex psychological and cultural meanings that endure across time.