Man op de rug gezien, gekleed volgens de Franse mode ca. 1630 c. 1630

Isaac Briot created this engraving around 1630; it depicts a man dressed in French fashion, seen from the back. During the 17th century, fashion was deeply intertwined with social identity, signaling status and adherence to cultural norms. The man’s elaborate attire, including a wide-brimmed hat and ornate spurs, speaks to his affluence. Yet, the accompanying text complicates this image, criticizing superficiality and the blind following of trends. It references adapting to the times, suggesting a critique of those who prioritize appearance over substance. The emotional weight of this piece lies in the tension between outward display and inner values. Briot's work invites contemplation on how we perform identity and the societal pressures that shape these performances. The artwork prompts us to consider how fashion, then and now, reflects and reinforces societal values, and how it influences our perceptions of self and others.