Vier vrouwen uit verschillende standen, gekleed volgens de mode van ca. 1580 in Keulen. 1581

Abraham de Bruyn’s “Four Women of Different Classes, Dressed According to the Fashion of around 1580 in Cologne” was made using an engraving technique. The image comes from a printmaking tradition, a reproductive medium, and an aesthetic of crisp line and descriptive detail. This print offers insights into the social stratification of the time. Notice the careful attention given to the fabrics, their textures, and the way they drape. Each figure's clothing is rendered meticulously, reflecting their respective social positions. From the elaborate garments of the upper classes to the more practical attire of the working woman, every detail speaks volumes about the wearer's status and role in society. Printmaking has its own labor story: from the production of paper, to the work involved in cutting the matrix, and finally printing the image. In this case, the image represents the labor involved in clothmaking, dressmaking, and the work that goes into the maintenance of appearance. Understanding the material and social context enriches our appreciation, and invites us to think critically about labor, class, and the ways in which clothing functions as a powerful marker of identity.