Mulier Scotica 

Wenceslaus Hollar created "Mulier Scotica", meaning Scottish Woman, using etching, a printmaking technique, in the 17th century. Hollar, a Bohemian artist working in England, created this print as part of a series documenting European dress. The woman's attire speaks volumes about identity and social standing. Her hood and modest dress reflect the strict Calvinist values prevalent in Scotland during this period. Note the contrast between the dark, heavy fabrics and the crisp white linen of her collar and sleeves, indicating a degree of wealth and status. Her gaze, direct yet reserved, hints at the complex role of women in Scottish society, navigating expectations of piety and domesticity. Hollar's series offers a glimpse into a world of shifting cultural identities and evolving social norms. "Mulier Scotica" encapsulates the intersection of gender, class, and national identity in 17th century Scotland. It encourages us to reflect on the ways in which clothing and representation can both reveal and conceal the stories of individuals and communities.