Reproductie van een kostuumprent met Eltrude, dochter van Alfred de Grote before 1880

This costume print, depicting Eltrude, daughter of Alfred the Great, was created anonymously during an unknown period using an unstated medium. Prints like this offer a glimpse into how historical figures were imagined and presented, often reflecting the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time, rather than accurate depictions. Notice how Eltrude's clothing and adornments are meticulously rendered, signaling her noble status and femininity. The choice to represent Eltrude, daughter of Alfred the Great, may reflect an interest in constructing narratives around powerful female figures in history. The work prompts us to consider the role of women in shaping national identity and collective memory. While the print is not particularly emotionally striking, its enduring presence across time speaks to how representations of women from the past continue to resonate and influence contemporary perceptions. Consider how the construction of historical narratives serves to define the identities of nations.