Dertien mannen uit verschillende standen, gekleed volgens de Franse mode van ca. 1580 before 1581

This print, made around 1580 by Abraham de Bruyn, depicts thirteen men of different social classes dressed in French fashion. The printmaking process itself, likely engraving or etching, is crucial to understanding the artwork's purpose. Prints like these were essentially early forms of fashion magazines. The fine, precise lines of the engraving allow for intricate details in the clothing to be represented. Note the textures of the fabrics, the elaborate ruffs, and the tailoring of each garment, all carefully rendered. The print served as a way to disseminate fashionable styles to a wider audience, not unlike today's fashion media. It's a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the printmaker. But also an indication of the growing fashion industry and the desire to participate in visual culture regardless of class. This piece challenges the hierarchy of art, making it accessible and relevant to everyday life.