Matrona Suizzera 1598

This is a print of a Swiss Matron, made by Christoph Krieger. The print depicts the fashion of the time, as well as the place. But images like this also tell us about the relationship between places and cultures, particularly in the early modern period when the print market was taking off. Here, the woman is presented in a simple, yet elegant dress, her hands clasped, embodying modesty and respectability. The image creates meaning through its clear, precise lines, typical of the printmaking techniques in sixteenth-century Europe, most likely Germany, given Krieger’s name. The choice of subject matter reflects the growing interest in cultural identity and regional distinctions during this period. The ornamental frame of the print, featuring cherubs and scrolls, adds a layer of sophistication and classical allusion. To understand this print better, we might consult costume books of the era, travelogues, and printed ephemera that circulated images of different cultures. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on understanding its role in constructing and disseminating knowledge about cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.