Fragment van prent van twee vrouwen en twee mannen, gekleed volgens de mode in Vlaanderen 1581 - 1596

This fragmented print, made by Abraham de Bruyn around 1575, offers a glimpse into Flemish fashion through the portrayal of two women and men. The most striking element here is the elaborate dress of the figures, particularly the women, whose garments embody status and identity. These are not merely clothes, but symbols of social standing. Think back to classical antiquity, where draped togas indicated citizenship and civic virtue. Here, in 16th-century Flanders, fashion serves a similar purpose, conveying messages about wealth and belonging. The image is a testament to how cultural memory perpetuates itself. The conscious intention of the artist interfaces with a collective unconscious, drawing on gestures and forms that resonate across time. This interplay reveals the profound, often subconscious, ways in which we engage with our cultural past. The image speaks to our shared human experience, a reminder of the cyclical nature of cultural expression and the echoes of history that resonate within our collective psyche.