Portret van een kamermeid 1630 - 1710

This is an anonymous print, “Portret van een kamermeid”, held at the Rijksmuseum. Despite its diminutive size, the portrait commands attention through its intricate etching. The composition, set within an oval frame, presents a chambermaid in profile, her figure defined by the stark contrast of light and shadow. The chambermaid is depicted with a focus on linear detail. Observe the concentric ruffles of her collar and cap, which create a sense of depth and texture. Her gaze is directed towards the right, inviting speculation about her thoughts or the scene beyond the frame. The presence of a small card in her hand, bearing indecipherable script, introduces a narrative element. What makes this work particularly compelling is the artist's engagement with codes of representation. While the portrait adheres to the conventions of its time, the choice of subject, a chambermaid, challenges the traditional focus on nobility. This decentering of the social hierarchy invites a reconsideration of early modern values. The formal aspects of the print underscores a shift towards broader, more inclusive modes of representation.