Rustica Gallica

Rustica Gallica

Wenceslaus Hollar

1643

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a black-and-white drawing of a woman in old-fashioned clothes. She’s standing straight, holding a small round object in both hands. Her dress has a stiff collar and a long skirt with a slit up the front. The background is plain, so all the focus is on her. The title *Rustica Gallica* suggests she might be meant to look like a peasant from France, but the clothes are more polished than rough. The artist used a technique that makes the lines look sharp and detailed. If you like this style, look up etching to see how it works.

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