Klederdracht uit Straatsburg 1729

Jacob Folkema created this print, “Klederdracht uit Straatsburg,” a rendering of traditional Strasbourg attire, sometime in the 18th century. Folkema lived during the Enlightenment, a period characterized by an increased interest in reason, science, and a growing awareness of cultural differences across Europe. Here, a woman is depicted in elaborate clothing, possibly for a wedding, reflecting Strasbourg's cultural traditions. Her clothing signifies a specific identity and social role within her community, and the print makes this identity visible to a broader audience. The print raises questions about how women's identities are shaped by cultural expectations. What does it mean to be a woman in Strasbourg? How does her dress define her role and status? Folkema’s work invites us to consider the gaze of the outsider, and how cultural traditions are both preserved and transformed through representation. It highlights the personal and emotional connections to cultural heritage.