Artwork
Head of an Old Woman (Visscher's Mother)
Head of an Old Woman (Visscher's Mother) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Visscher. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Cornelis Vissburg’s print, dated around 1650, portrays an elderly woman, identified as the artist’s mother.
About this work
Overview
Cornelis Vissburg’s print, dated around 1650, portrays an elderly woman, identified as the artist’s mother. Executed through a combination of etching and engraving, the work presents a tightly focused half‑length portrait that emphasizes facial expression and texture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter’s stern gaze and furrowed brow suggest a contemplative mood, while the modest headscarf and fur‑trimmed coat convey modesty and domestic status. The subdued demeanor invites viewers to consider the quiet dignity of an aging matriarch.
Technique & Style
Vissburg employs fine line work typical of mid‑17th‑century Dutch printmaking. Etched areas create soft shading in the background, whereas engraved lines render the wrinkles, hair, and fabric with precise, tactile detail, giving the portrait a three‑dimensional presence despite its flat medium.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in Amsterdam during Vissburg’s mature period and likely circulated among private collectors. It has survived in several impressions housed in European museum collections, confirming its attribution to the artist’s workshop.
Context
In the Dutch Golden Age, portrait prints served both as personal mementos and as demonstrations of an artist’s skill. Vissburg’s choice to depict his mother aligns with contemporary interests in domestic subjects and the intimate study of individual character.
Artist & collection
