Mercanti 1598

Christoph Krieger's 1598 woodcut "Mercanti" depicts a merchant in detailed attire. The figure is dressed in a long robe with a prominent ruff and a wide-brimmed hat. The intricate detail of the clothing, particularly the numerous buttons and the decorative belt, highlights the artist's focus on the sartorial habits of the time. The illustration is framed with a decorative border filled with swirling flourishes and grotesque figures. The woodcut is a fine example of the genre of costume illustrations, common in the late 16th century, offering insights into the fashion of the era.