Echtgenote van een koopman uit Rome 1598

Christoph Krieger created this engraving titled "Echtgenote van een koopman uit Rome," or "Wife of a Merchant from Rome." This image offers a glimpse into the attire and social standing of women connected to the merchant class. The elaborate dress and jewelry worn by the woman point to her husband’s wealth and her elevated position in society. The fashion of the time played a significant role in defining identity and status, especially for women. The layering of fabrics, intricate patterns, and the inclusion of jewelry all contribute to the visual narrative of affluence. The veil is particularly interesting, as it speaks to modesty and religious devotion, but its luxurious fabric hints at a more complex interplay between piety and material comfort. This portrait, while seemingly straightforward, invites reflection on the roles and expectations placed upon women in the merchant class, navigating the currents of wealth, status, and societal expectations.