Jas van ambtskostuum van burgemeester Hoytema c. 1904 - 1990

This is a jacket from the official costume of Mayor Hoytema, and though we don’t know exactly when it was made, we can see it was carefully constructed by an anonymous maker using fabric and metal. This kind of garment is fascinating because it speaks to the relationship between materials, labor, and social identity. The tailoring of the jacket itself indicates skilled work, from the shaping of the fabric to the careful placement of buttons. Look closely and you’ll see intricate metallic embroidery around the collar and cuffs, reflecting the mayor's status and position within society. The choice of materials – the fine weave of the fabric, the quality of the metallic thread – all indicate expenditure, reflecting the dignity of the office. A garment like this is far more than mere clothing. It represents a complex web of social relations, where textiles, skill, and status are closely interwoven. It prompts us to consider the labor involved in its production and the statement it makes about power.