Full Breeches of Ernst Casimir I before 1632

These full breeches of Ernst Casimir I were made anonymously from leather, and are now held at the Rijksmuseum. The supple leather used for these breeches speaks to the prosperity of the wearer. Their construction involved careful cutting and stitching to achieve the desired shape, as well as the use of a complex system of textile production and leather tanning. Rows of small metal embellishments line the sides, and would have been carefully attached by hand. These details testify to the work of skilled artisans, who had mastered techniques passed down through generations. Every stitch, every pleat reflects their expertise. Yet, the anonymity of the maker also speaks volumes. While Ernst Casimir I is remembered, the skilled hands that created these breeches are lost to history. As you consider this garment, think about the labor, skill, and resources involved in its making. It challenges us to consider the value we place on craftsmanship.