Romanorium Viri et Feminae Habitus, from Fashions of Different Nations (copy) 1609 - 1649

Master ID made this engraving, Romanorium Viri et Feminae Habitus, sometime between 1580 and 1650. The print is part of a series illustrating fashions of different nations, reflecting Europe’s growing engagement with a wider world and the curiosity surrounding cultural identities. Here, we see a Roman couple depicted in their traditional attire. The image offers a glimpse into the gendered roles and social status of the time. The woman, adorned in elaborate garments, embodies a certain ideal of femininity and wealth, while the man, with his sword, puffed sleeves, and musical instrument represents masculinity and perhaps a life of military or civic duty. The architecture in the background suggests an urban environment, with a bustling crowd of men enacting some scene. The print seems to ask: What did it mean to be Roman? What were the visual markers of identity, and how did clothing and adornment play a role in constructing these identities? Consider how the artist uses visual cues to reinforce or challenge stereotypes about gender, class, and cultural identity.