Muff, white kerchief and mask

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, where find *Muff, white ker and mask*, a 20th-century reproduction of an etching by the masterful 17th-century Bohemian Wenceslaus Hollar1607–1677). Hollar was a prolific printmaker renowned for his meticulous depictions of fashion, architecture, and daily life across Europe. This delicate print captures elegant accessories—a fur muff, a pristine white kerchief, and ornate mask—hallmarks of 17th-century attire that evoke the sophistication of courtly dress and masquerade culture. Hollar's etching technique shines here, with fine lines rendering textures from soft fur to crisp lace, showcasing his skill in capturing the ephemeral world of textiles and adornments. Originally produced in the Baroque era, when masks served both protective and fashionable purposes amid plagues and social events, this work documents a bygone elegance. The Harris Brisbane Dick Fund acquisition in 1923 preserved it for modern viewers, highlighting the enduring appeal of historical costume prints. Explore the tags on masks to connect this piece to broader themes of disguise, identity, and opulence in art history—perfect for imagining the intrigue of a candlelit Venetian ball!

About the Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar · 1607–1677

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) was a prolific Bohemian etcher who became one of the most accomplished printmakers of the seventeenth century. Born in Prague, he trained under Matthäus Merian in Frankfurt before entering the service of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, in 1636. Hollar spent most of his career in England, where he produced approximately 2,740 etchings documenting an extraordinary range...