Man met maliënkolder c. 1884 - 1885

Willem de Zwart made this etching of a man in a chainmail coif. The title, ‘Man met maliënkolder’, directly translates to ‘Man with chainmail coif.’ The practice of painting or drawing figures wearing historical costumes became popular in the Netherlands in the 19th century. These images, on the one hand, gave artists the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of visual representation and historical knowledge. On the other hand, they evoked a longing for the past. This can be understood in the context of the growth of nationalist sentiments during this period, and as a way to reaffirm a specific national history. For a richer understanding of this work, we can turn to costume books, military history, and contemporary cultural criticism. This can offer a more nuanced perspective of the artwork and its place within the cultural landscape of the Netherlands during this period.