Vrouw in klederdracht uit Straatsburg 1644 - 1704

This anonymous print, held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts a woman in traditional Strasbourg garb. The print offers a glimpse into the cultural identity of 17th-century Strasbourg, a region historically caught between French and German influences, reflecting the complex negotiations of identity in border regions. Note the detail in her clothing, each element speaks volumes about the region’s customs and the woman's place within it. The high collar, the fitted bodice, the full skirt, and the cap denote regional pride, and perhaps even social status. This woman’s clothing resists the homogenization of fashion, declaring her cultural allegiances. Consider how the print itself serves as an early form of cultural documentation, both preserving and perhaps idealizing regional identity. The print invites us to reflect on the ways we use clothing to express identity, and on the power of images to shape and preserve cultural memory.