Artwork
Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor
Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The title at the top calls her the "Merchants wife of Holland," though we can’t confirm if that’s her actual name.
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.
Overview
Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor is a 1644 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born printmaker active in England. The work is a portrait of a woman identified by the title as the wife of a Dutch merchant, possibly linked to the renowned cartographer Gerardus Mercator.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman, purportedly the wife of a Dutch merchant, depicted in attire characteristic of the time: a high white collar, patterned sleeves, a long skirt, and a cap covering her hair. Her calm, serious expression and the small bag/purse in her left hand contribute to a dignified, everyday portrayal.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, a printmaking technique involving acid-etched designs on metal plates, the piece showcases Hollar's skill in detailed, topographically informed work, though here applied to portraiture. The monochrome print features precise lines and textures, typical of Hollar's meticulous style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1644, the etching is signed by the artist. Specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided, but its creation reflects Hollar's period of productivity in England.
Context
While Hollar is known for cityscapes and landscapes (vedutas), this portrait highlights his versatility. The subject's possible connection to Gerardus Mercator situates the work at the intersection of Dutch commercial and cartographic influence in 17th-century Europe.
Legacy
As part of Hollar's oeuvre, Mercatoris Hollandici Vxor contributes to the broader legacy of 17th-century European printmaking, particularly in the representation of everyday life and figures of the time. Its specific impact or influence on later artists is not detailed in the available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
Mercatoris Parisiensis Vxor
Mercatoris Pragensis Vxor
Mercatoris Francofurtensis Vxor
Dni Maioris sive Praetoris Londinensis Vxoris Hab:
Opificis Parisiensis Vxor
Ciuis Londinensis Melioris Qualitatis Vxor
Ciuis aut Mercatoris Antuerpiensis Vxor
Ciuis vel Artificis Londinensis Vxor
Mercatoris Londinensis Filia