Three French Gentlemen 1581

"Three French Gentlemen" (1581) by Abraham de Bruyn depicts three men in elaborate, colorful clothing. This hand-colored engraving showcases the fashion trends of 16th-century France. The three gentlemen are standing in profile, each holding a staff and wearing a variety of clothing, including cloaks, breeches, and ruffled collars. The engraving is part of a larger series by de Bruyn, illustrating various European dress styles. This series was intended to document contemporary fashions and serve as a visual guide for aspiring artists and fashion designers. The Minneapolis Institute of Art holds this example of de Bruyn's meticulous depiction of fashion details.