Portret van een jonge vrouw

The woman is depicted in half-length, wearing formal Dutch attire of the early 17th century, including a high lace ruff and a winged cap. Her hands are delicately folded over a small volume, suggesting a moment of quiet study or religious devotion. The engraving utilizes fine cross-hatching to create a soft, charcoal-like texture on her skin and the fabric of her dress.

Hendrick Goltzius was a central figure in the Haarlem Mannerist circle and a pioneer in the 'esoteric engraver' tradition, known for his technical virtuosity and interest in alchemical transformation. This portrait represents the contemplative life and the high value placed on literacy and private study within the intellectual circles of the Northern Renaissance.