Klederdrachten van eiland Gozo 1778

Louis Ducros made this watercolor entitled 'Klederdrachten van eiland Gozo' or 'Traditional costumes from the island of Gozo' sometime around the late 18th century, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Ducros was one of many European artists drawn to Italy and its surrounding areas as part of the Grand Tour tradition. This work reflects a growing interest in cataloging regional cultures and customs. The figures are rendered with careful attention to detail in their clothing, which serves as a marker of identity and place. The image offers a glimpse into the social fabric of Gozo during this period. It prompts us to consider the politics of representation and the role of the artist in shaping perceptions of different cultures. To understand this artwork, we might turn to travelogues, costume books, and other visual materials from the period. We can reflect on the social conditions that made such images possible, and the ways in which they contribute to our understanding of the past.