Vier mannen uit verschillende landen, gekleed volgens de mode van ca. 1580 before 1581

This print, "Four Men from Different Countries, Dressed According to the Fashion of ca. 1580," was created by Abraham de Bruyn. The composition is structured around four figures arranged in a horizontal line, each embodying distinct national attire. The artist's use of line is meticulous; it defines the contours of garments and accessories, creating a rich texture. There is a clear distinction between each figure's outfit, and the linear precision of the engraving technique accentuates the patterns and details of their clothing. This work acts as a semiotic system where clothing functions as a signifier of national identity and social status. De Bruyn's work reflects a broader cultural interest in categorizing and understanding the world through visual representation. The formal elements of line and composition serve not only aesthetic purposes but also communicate complex social and cultural information. Each figure, therefore, is not just a portrait but a carefully constructed representation of difference.