Ancilla Coloniensis
1643
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1643
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ancilla Coloniensis is a 1643 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This is a black-and-white drawing of a woman in old-fashioned clothes. She wears a long, loose dress with a high collar and a head covering that drapes over her shoulders. In her hands, she holds a small basket and what looks like a fan or a book. The lines are simple but show the folds of her clothing clearly. The name at the bottom reads *"Ancilla Coloniensis"*, which likely means "Maid of Cologne." This suggests she might be a servant or a local woman from that city. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists create detailed prints like this one.
