Volkskleederdragten c. 1843 - 1920

Ernst Fröhlich made this print, titled "Volkskleederdragten," which translates to "Folk Costumes," sometime in the mid-19th century. It presents an array of Dutch regional clothing, offering a glimpse into the social fabric of the Netherlands at that time. The image creates meaning through visual codes, carefully depicting the attire of different regions and social classes. Fröhlich’s work reflects the rise of nationalism and interest in folklore that swept through Europe during the 19th century. Institutions like museums and ethnographic societies were being established to preserve and study these cultural traditions. By documenting these folk costumes, Fröhlich was participating in the broader project of defining and celebrating national identity. Such images often served a political purpose, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage. To understand this print better, one might delve into archives of fashion history or studies of Dutch regional identities. The meaning of this art is contingent on the socio-political context in which it was made and received.