Dame gekleed volgens de mode van circa 1620 c. 1625

This print, "Dame gekleed volgens de mode van circa 1620," by Jean Picart, presents a woman dressed in the fashion of the time, rendered through the meticulous process of engraving. Notice how the engraver’s hand coaxes textures and forms into being; the elaborate dress is sharply defined against the subtle lines of the landscape behind. The level of detail speaks to the labor and skill involved, transforming a simple copper plate into a mirror reflecting the social status and cultural values of the 17th century. The choice of engraving isn't just about aesthetics; it's about the wider distribution of images, reflecting emerging consumer culture. Prints like these democratized access to fashion, which would otherwise have been restricted to the upper classes. Looking closely, we can see more than just a portrait; we see the story of materials, labor, and the changing world of art and commerce.