Portret van Margaretha van Godewijk - Simon onder de Linde

A seventeenth-century portrait etching of the Dutch poet and painter Margaretha van Godewijk, featuring a scholarly pose and a commemorative inscription.

This etching by Simon onder de Linde depicts the Dutch poet and painter Margaretha van Godewijk (1627-1677). The composition follows the conventions of seventeenth-century portraiture, presenting the subject in a half-length pose. Van Godewijk is shown holding a small book, a gesture that identifies her as a woman of letters and intellectual pursuit. Her gaze is directed toward the viewer, while the background features a view of a church tower, likely referencing her connection to Dordrecht.

The print incorporates a heavy use of cross-hatching and line work to define the textures of her clothing and the surrounding drapery. The inclusion of a poetic inscription at the base of the image is characteristic of the period, providing a eulogistic commentary on her life and accomplishments. The text, attributed to Samuel van Hoogstraten, praises her intellect, artistic skill, and piety, suggesting that even the lifespan of the mythical Nestor would have been insufficient to fully capture her virtues.

Technically, the work demonstrates the precision typical of Dutch printmaking during the late seventeenth century. The artist employs varying line weights to create depth within the drapery and the architectural elements. The portrait serves as a visual record of a notable figure in the cultural life of the Dutch Republic. By combining the sitter's likeness with symbolic objects like the book, the print communicates her status as an educated individual. The overall presentation is formal, reflecting the values of the era regarding female scholarship and artistic contribution. This museum-grade print captures the fine details of the original etching, preserving the clarity of the lines and the tonal balance of the composition.