Artwork
Mulier Wiennensis in Domo
Mulier Wiennensis in Domo 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 Wiennensis in Domo* is a 1649 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born printmaker active in England. The work portrays a woman in a domestic setting, characteristic of Hollar's meticulous printmaking style.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a woman of apparent wealth, indicated by her 17th-century attire, including a long dark dress, white collar, and head covering. Her clasped hands, downward gaze, and partially visible domestic background suggest a contemplative, private moment.
Technique & Style
Hollar executed the piece using etching, showcasing his precise and refined technique. The work's level of detail and composition align with Hollar's known expertise in capturing nuanced scenes, though here applied to an intimate interior rather than his more common cityscapes or landscapes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1649 by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677), the etching's provenance details are not specified in available information. Hollar's career spanned Prague and London, reflecting the broader European artistic exchanges of his time.
Context
While Hollar is renowned for his detailed views (*vedutas*) of cities and landscapes, *Mulier Wiennensis in Domo* demonstrates his ability to capture the quieter, more personal aspects of 17th-century life, reflecting the diversity of his artistic output.
Legacy
This etching contributes to Hollar's legacy as a versatile and skilled printmaker of the 17th century, though its specific impact or influence on subsequent artists is not prominently documented in the provided sources.
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.
