Kleederdragten / Vijf en twintigste plaat. / Assyriërs, Mediërs, Egyptenaren. / Uit den tijd vóór Christus c. 1843 - 1920

This is “Kleederdragten / Vijf en twintigste plaat. / Assyriërs, Mediërs, Egyptenaren. / Uit den tijd vóór Christus,” a historical print by Andreas C. Müller. The print depicts the dress of ancient Assyrians, Medes, and Egyptians. These illustrations not only showcase sartorial styles but also invite us to consider how identity and difference were constructed and communicated in the ancient world. How do garments delineate gender roles or social class? What did it mean to perform one's identity through clothing in these diverse cultures? Historical images like this one have a unique power. They can transport us across time, allowing us to envision distant eras. The visual style of this artwork reflects the sensibilities of its own time, shaping our understanding of the past. As we look, let’s think about the identities and histories embedded in these visual depictions, and how they resonate or clash with our own perceptions.