Vrouw met masker en fantasie hoofdbedekking c. 1535 - 1598

This is an engraving of a woman with a mask and fantasy head covering, made by an anonymous artist, and now held in the Rijksmuseum. The elaborate headwear suggests this image was produced in the Dutch Golden Age, a period when the Netherlands experienced unprecedented economic, scientific, and cultural growth. Looking at the print, consider how fashion, particularly amongst the wealthy, became a means of displaying status and wealth. Sumptuary laws existed, attempting to regulate what different social classes could wear, but these were often flouted as merchants grew rich and eager to display their success. This print then, could be seen as a commentary on the social structures of the time, particularly the rising merchant class and their impact on traditional hierarchies. Further study might explore the relationship between fashion, class, and social mobility in the Dutch Golden Age. Researching period fashion plates, portraits, and social commentaries would provide greater insight into the cultural context of this image.