Nobilis faemina ad templum abiens cum palla Belgica 1592 - 1594

This print, titled 'Nobilis faemina ad templum abiens cum palla Belgica,' or 'Noblewoman going to church with a Belgian cloak', was made by an anonymous artist, and its origins invite us to consider the dynamics of identity and status in the early modern period. The image portrays a woman adorned in the attire of the upper class, her clothing a statement of wealth and social standing. Yet, the ‘Belgica’ in the title hints at more than just fashion; it speaks to a regional identity, a sense of belonging to a specific place and culture. The cloak itself becomes a symbol of cultural pride and perhaps even defiance in a world where identities were often contested and negotiated. The inscription below the image suggests this is a representation of piety and fashion. Who was this woman, and what did it mean for her to display her 'Belgica' identity in this way? We can only imagine the personal stories and societal pressures that shaped her choice.