Artwork

Winter

Winter, by Wenceslaus Hollar, ink, 1641
Winter, by Wenceslaus Hollar, ink, 1641

Winter is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Winter is an etching created by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1641. It is a black-and-white print that showcases the artist's skill in capturing atmospheric conditions and figures in detailed landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman dressed in heavy winter attire, holding a book or paper and wrapped in a fur cloak. The text on either side of the image identifies the season and alludes to combating cold with fire, suggesting a thematic exploration of winter's chill.

Technique & Style

As an etching, Winter was created by scratching lines into a metal plate, allowing for intricate detail and texture. Hollar's use of this technique results in a nuanced representation of the subject's clothing and surroundings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar

Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.