Dame met gesloten waaier in de hand, van voren gezien after 1629

This print, “Dame met gesloten waaier in de hand, van voren gezien,” or “Lady with a closed fan in her hand, seen from the front” was made anonymously using the intaglio process of etching. This detailed print invites us to consider the material culture it depicts, particularly the lady's elaborate dress, a visual representation of wealth and status. Note the labor and resources required to create the textiles of the dress, from growing and weaving the fabric to the intricate embroidery and lace detailing. The etching, with its fine lines and crosshatching, mimics the textures and patterns of the fabric, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship inherent in both the printmaking and dressmaking processes. Consider how the print medium itself played a role in disseminating images of fashion and style to a wider audience, influencing tastes and trends across social classes. The print is not just a representation of a lady and her attire, but also a reflection of the economic and social forces that shaped the material world of the time.