Paar in Friese klederdracht 1803 - 1807

Editor: This print, "Paar in Friese klederdracht," or "Couple in Frisian Costume," was created sometime between 1803 and 1807 by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman. It looks to be an engraving, and the romantic style seems fitting for the time period. What strikes me is how formally the couple is presented. What are your thoughts on this piece? Curator: Oh, yes, the Frisian couple. It whispers of a time when local dress wasn’t just clothing, but a walking, talking identity card! It makes me wonder, doesn't it, about how intensely people identified with their region back then? The formality…it's almost theatrical, isn't it? He, with his little box—possibly filled with something delicious?—and she, a tower of fabric and lace. Almost comically proper. The Romantic period wasn’t always about swooning landscapes; sometimes it was about preserving and celebrating local flavour, with a tiny bit of playful exaggeration. I can almost smell the salty air. What do *you* feel when you see them? Editor: I see what you mean. I was so focused on the formal aspects I missed the sense of pride in their local identity. That was really interesting. Curator: Exactly! Now, *I’m* wondering how we've shed our unique cultural garb in exchange for… jeans? Maybe time for a fashion rebellion?