Man in zeventiende-eeuwse kleding c. 1860 - 1866

Cornelis Springer sketched this "Man in seventeenth-century clothing" with pen in the 19th century, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Springer lived in a time of rising nationalism and interest in Dutch history. The drawing illustrates a man dressed in clothing reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age, a period known for its artistic and economic flourishing. The choice of attire suggests a fascination with the past and the construction of historical identity. Springer was part of a broader cultural movement interested in depicting scenes from previous eras. The artist seems to be referencing an era where fashion was a marker of status and identity. This piece speaks to how clothing can represent both personal expression and broader cultural values, reminding us that what we wear is always a statement.