Femme de Rouen en Normandie allant par la Ville 1662

This is an anonymous print titled, *Femme de Rouen en Normandie allant par la Ville*, which translates to a Woman from Rouen in Normandy going through the City. Prints like this one offer a fascinating glimpse into the sartorial habits and social identities of 17th-century French women. Set against the backdrop of a bustling town, our subject's attire speaks volumes. Her head covering and modest dress indicate a certain social status and adherence to cultural norms. The gaze directed towards us perhaps breaks with traditional demure representations, hinting at the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations. The very act of portraying a woman from Rouen suggests an interest in regional identity. The image prompts us to consider how clothing can both define and express individual and collective identity. How might the woman feel moving through the city dressed like this? The print becomes a mirror reflecting our own biases and expectations onto the past. Ultimately, this anonymous print invites us to consider the diverse roles and experiences of women in 17th-century France, challenging us to look beyond the surface and engage with the complexities of identity, representation, and social change.