Heer, gekleed volgens de mode van ca. 1630, van achteren gezien c. 1630

Salomon Savery made this print of a man dressed in the height of fashion around 1630. The Netherlands in the 17th century was a society undergoing massive change, and fashion played a key role in expressing these shifts. We see the rise of a powerful merchant class. This print provides a glimpse into the sartorial choices of this time, with its attention to detail in the man's clothing, hat, and stance. The man's dress and posture signal an elevated status, but the choice to depict him from the back raises questions. Is it a commentary on vanity, a subtle critique of the new elite? To fully understand this print, one must delve into the social and economic history of the Dutch Golden Age. Prints like this one served various purposes, from disseminating fashion trends to offering social commentary, and the institutions of art played a role in shaping these images. Analyzing costume books, fashion plates, and other visual sources of the time alongside historical documents can reveal a richer understanding of its cultural context.