Portret van een vrouw met haar handen in een mof 1637 - 1638

This engraving, etched by Wenceslaus Hollar, presents a woman with her hands nestled in a muff, a symbol of warmth and status. Notice how the muff, beyond its practical function, cradles her hands in a gesture of cultivated leisure, indicative of her social standing. This posture echoes across centuries. Think of classical sculptures where draped figures conceal one hand, signifying modesty or hidden power. The pearl necklace, a recurring motif in portraits throughout history, speaks of purity and wealth. From Renaissance Madonnas to society portraits, pearls evoke an aura of timeless beauty, but their symbolism shifts. The pearls may transform to teardrops of a mourning Mary, or a symbol of chastity, depending on the time and context. The woman's gaze invites us into a psychological space, where personal identity meets social representation. This image becomes a vessel, carrying layers of cultural memory and emotional resonance across time.