Portretten van twee onbekende vrouwen, beiden als herderin 1640

This etching, "Portretten van twee onbekende vrouwen, beiden als herderin" (Portraits of Two Unknown Women, Both as Shepherdesses), was created by Crispijn van de Passe (II) in 1640. The work, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, portrays two young women in oval frames, each depicted as a shepherdess, symbolizing simplicity and virtue. The women hold shepherd’s crooks and flowers, further emphasizing their connection to nature. Van de Passe, a prolific engraver known for his detailed portraits and landscapes, used fine lines to capture the delicate features of his subjects and the subtle details of their clothing. This piece showcases the artist's mastery of the etching technique and his interest in portraying everyday subjects with elegance.