Provinciale Staten 1875 - 1900

Peter Clausing made this photograph, Provinciale Staten, sometime between 1890 and 1913. The image depicts the formal dress uniform of a member of the States Provincial, the governing body of each province in the Netherlands. The States Provincial played a crucial role in Dutch governance, electing members to the upper house of Parliament and overseeing provincial administration. Consider the cultural significance of formal attire in the Netherlands during this period. Clothing served as a visual marker of social status and institutional authority. The elaborate design, with its gold trim and feathered bicorne hat, signifies the dignity of the office. To truly understand this image, we would need to research the history of the States Provincial, its role in Dutch society, and the dress codes that governed its members. By examining such historical resources, we can gain valuable insights into the social and political context in which the photograph was made.