Artwork
Mulier Hibernica vel Irlandica
Mulier Hibernica vel Irlandica is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Mulier Hibernica vel Irlandica is a 1649 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, depicting a woman in traditional Irish attire. This work showcases Hollar's diversion from his typical cityscapes and landscapes, highlighting instead his interest in ethnographic and costume studies.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a woman in traditional Irish dress, stands formally with clasped hands, adorned with a fur-trimmed robe, white head covering, and cross necklace. Her portrayal against a plain background emphasizes the focus on her attire and personal demeanor.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, the piece exhibits Hollar's mastery of the medium, achieving a detailed and textured image. While often associated with Baroque portraiture's realism, the work's simplicity and focus on detail align more closely with Hollar's observational style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1649 by the Czech-born, England-based artist, this etching was part of a widely circulated body of work contributing to Europe's early modern visual record. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.
Context
This etching fits within the 17th-century European tradition of documenting regional and cultural attire through printmaking, reflecting contemporary interest in ethnography and diversity.
Legacy
As part of Hollar's oeuvre, Mulier Hibernica vel Irlandica remains a significant example of 17th-century etching practices and the broader cultural documentation of its time, though its individual impact on the Baroque movement is more nuanced than definitive.
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.
