Artwork
Portrait of a Young Girl, Plate 14
Portrait of a Young Girl, Plate 14 is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Young Girl, Plate 14 is a 1636 etching on laid paper by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born artist active in England. This black and white portrait focuses on a young girl with shoulder-length curly hair, a white-collared dress, and puffy sleeves, rendered against an unseen background with direct, neutral gaze.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a youthful female figure, is portrayed with a straightforward, unemotional expression, inviting interpretation of her character. The artwork's meaning may lie in its representation of youthful innocence or a specific, unidentified individual from Hollar's milieu.
Technique & Style
Executed with precise etching techniques, the work showcases Hollar's mastery of delicate lines, subtle shading, and chiaroscuro, aligning with the detailed, expressive qualities of the Baroque style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1636, this etching is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C., reflecting Hollar's contribution to portrait etchings alongside his more renowned cityscapes and landscapes.
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.
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