Woman with dark hair and a bow in profile to the left

Art Historical Context

Wenceslaus Hollar's *Woman with Dark Hair and a Bow in Profile to Left* (1642) captures a poised female figure in a classic profile view, her dark tresses adorned with a bow adding elegance to the intimate portrait. This etching, the only state of its kind, showcases Hollar's mastery as a Bohemian-born artist who flourished in 17th-century England. Known for his meticulous reproductions of people, places, and objects, Hollar produced thousands of prints, making art accessible beyond paintings. Created during the turbulent English Civil War era, when Hollar served Antwerp's court before settling in London, this small-scale work (plate 3 7/8 × 3 5/8 in.) exemplifies etching's precision: acid biting into a metal plate to form fine, expressive lines that convey texture—from flowing hair to subtle fabric folds. Profiles like this were popular for their sculptural quality, echoing Renaissance medal traditions while suiting print's reproducible nature. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917), this piece highlights Hollar's role in democratizing portraiture, offering a glimpse into 1640s fashion and femininity through virtuoso technique. A gem for print enthusiasts, it invites viewers to appreciate the artistry in miniature.

About the Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar · 1607–1677

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) was a prolific Bohemian etcher who became one of the most accomplished printmakers of the seventeenth century. Born in Prague, he trained under Matthäus Merian in Frankfurt before entering the service of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, in 1636. Hollar spent most of his career in England, where he produced approximately 2,740 etchings documenting an extraordinary range...