Principio delle maniche a comeo 1598

This engraving, "Principio delle maniche a comeo", was created by Christoph Krieger. The print gives us an insight into the dress codes of the time. In Renaissance Italy, clothing was far more than just a covering; it was a signifier of status, wealth, and affiliation. Sumptuary laws dictated what materials, colors, and styles could be worn by different social classes. Here, the artist depicts two men in fashionable attire, complete with elaborately decorated sleeves. The sleeves were detachable and given to a future husband by his bride to be. These details offer hints about social status and cultural values, as these sleeves would be very expensive. By studying fashion plates, historical records, and even surviving garments, we gain a richer understanding of the complex social structures and cultural values of Renaissance Italy. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.