Vier vrouwen gekleed volgens de mode in Antwerpen, Brabant en 's-Hertogenbosch, ca. 1580 1872 - 1875

This is a hand-colored engraving from around 1580, offering a glimpse into the fashions worn by women in Antwerp, Brabant, and 's-Hertogenbosch. The artist is unknown. The image isn't just a neutral record of clothing. It’s a window into the social structures of the time. The elaborate attire reflects the wealth and status of the wearers. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, with growing tensions between the Protestant north and the Catholic south. The attire of women could signify their region and religious affiliation. By examining costume books and other visual and textual sources, historians can explore the intricate relationship between clothing, identity, and social change in the early modern Netherlands. The image reminds us that the creation and interpretation of art are always shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which they are made.