W. Hollar. (Woman with long curls) Bohemia. 17th century etching.$175.00

(Unidentified Woman)

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) was a Bohemian etcher known in England as Wenceslaus or Wenceslas and in Germany as Wenzel Hollar. He was born in Prague and died in London.                                              
He produced some 2740 engravings of a wide variety of subjects including religious, mythological, historical, geographical and maps, portraits, costumes, sports, natural history, etc. His smaller works are jewel-like, minutely detailed to convey the textures of clothing and the distinctive facial features and hairstyles of his subjects. 
The details of this woman's hairstyle, the lace trim on her dress, the pearls around her neck and her elaborate brooch reveal that this unidentified woman is wealthy. 

Signed in plate "W. Hollar fecit 1646"
Minor browning of four corners from hinges.
4 1/2 x 4 inches.