Costume Plate: Hispana Rustica mul. (with cloth and fan) 1552 - 1563

Enea Vico created this print, "Costume Plate: Hispana Rustica mul. (with cloth and fan)", during the 16th century. The figure, rendered in precise lines, dominates the composition. The elaborate drapery and headdress convey a sense of volume and texture through intricate hatching. The figure's posture and gaze direct our attention to the fan she holds. This creates a visual and conceptual focal point. Vico seems less interested in capturing a likeness than in offering a study of cultural semiotics. The use of line and form isn't merely descriptive; it's a system for encoding status and cultural identity. The print invites us to consider how costume functions as a signifier, shaping our perceptions and reinforcing societal norms. It is an exercise in visual communication that continues to resonate today.