Who painted Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan?

Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan was painted by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1649.

Where can I see Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan?

Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan?

Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan?

Museum-quality prints of Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan

Wenceslaus Hollar , 1649

Kaufmann's Frau aus Hanan is a print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1922.281
Credit line: Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland

About this work

Overview

Wenceslaus Hollar, a Bohemian engraver and etcher who spent most of his professional life in London, produced the print titled Kaufmann’s Frau aus Hanan in 1649. The image is a monochrome portrait that captures a woman from the German town of Hanau, rendered with the precise line work for which Hollar is renowned. The print belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented in a straightforward pose, facing the viewer with short hair and a high‑collared garment trimmed in lace. The composition focuses on the upper torso, allowing the viewer to observe the texture of the clothing and the subtle expression of the subject, suggesting a modest, perhaps domestic, representation of a Hanau merchant’s wife.

Technique & Style

Hollar employed fine etching lines to model the folds of the dress and the delicate lace, using a graduated shading that creates a sense of volume. Sharp, clean edges define the collar and lace, while softer gradations of tone render the skin and fabric, exemplifying the chiaroscuro effect that gives the portrait a three‑dimensional presence despite its flat medium.

History & Provenance

Created during Hollar’s European travels, the portrait forms part of a series of individual likenesses he produced in the mid‑17th century. After Hollar’s death in 1677, the work entered various collections before being acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s print and drawing holdings.

Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I, Balthasar Moncornet

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Artist & collection

Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar

Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.