Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor
1644
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1644
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor is a 1644 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a woman standing straight ahead. She wears a high white collar, a dark dress with patterned sleeves, and a long skirt. In her left hand, she holds a small bag or purse. Her hair is covered by a cap, and her expression is calm but serious. The title at the top calls her the "Merchants wife of Holland," though we can’t confirm if that’s her actual name. The artist signed it in 1644, and it’s made using a printmaking method. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this carved their designs into metal plates.
