Jas van A.L. de Bruyn Kops, hoofdingenieur van Waterstaat 1847-1890 c. 1847 - 1890

Pierre Caron the second made this jacket for A.L. de Bruyn Kops, a chief engineer of public works, sometime between 1847 and 1890. This garment speaks volumes about the relationship between clothing, power, and identity in the 19th century. In this era, the cut and detailing of one's coat broadcasted social standing and professional identity. Consider the high collar, the precise tailoring, the gold buttons, and the decorative embellishments - all signifiers of authority. As a chief engineer, A.L. de Bruyn Kops occupied a critical role in a rapidly industrializing society, shaping the landscape through canals, dikes, and other public works. What does it mean to literally wear your power? This jacket is a symbol of the intersection of personal identity and professional role. It invites us to reflect on how clothing shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others. It's a potent reminder of the structures, both visible and invisible, that shape our world.