Joodse vrouw in Poolse klederdracht 1780

Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine created this tiny etching of a Jewish woman in Polish costume in the late 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of Poland at a time when Jewish communities formed a significant part of its population. Norblin, a French artist working in Poland, captured the details of the woman's traditional dress. Dress was a key signifier of social identity. The image reflects Poland's complex history, marked by periods of tolerance and inclusion, but also, increasing social exclusion. It may allude to emerging debates about citizenship and national identity, as older social hierarchies were increasingly questioned. Historical records, such as census data, travel journals, and studies of costume, can provide insight into the social fabric of 18th-century Poland. The meaning of this etching is contingent on this wider understanding of its social and institutional context.