Vier vrouwen gekleed volgens de Duitse mode, ca. 1580 1872 - 1875

This print, made around 1580 by an anonymous artist, shows four women dressed in the German fashion of the time. It was made using ink on paper, and then colored by hand. The material reality of clothing in the 16th century was central to social life. The cut of a dress, the fabrics it was made from, the colors used – all communicated information about status and identity. This print gives us access to that world, capturing not just the designs but also hinting at the textures of wool, linen, and perhaps even silk and gold thread. Consider the labor involved in producing these garments. Every stage, from cultivating flax for linen to the complex weaving and tailoring processes, involved skilled work. Prints like these provide a glimpse into the fashion system of the past, reminding us that clothing has always been a product of both creative expression and economic activity. They challenge us to appreciate the artistry and labor embedded in the everyday.