Man, gekleed volgens de mode van omstreeks 1630, met stok in de hand c. 1630

Curator: This drawing, "Man, gekleed volgens de mode van omstreeks 1630, met stok in de hand," created around 1630 by Pieter Nolpe, offers a glimpse into the attire and perhaps the social standing of a man during the Dutch Golden Age. It is made using ink on paper and resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My immediate reaction is how self-assured he looks! He is just so stylish and really seems to exude confidence. There's a looseness to the drawing style too, as if the artist captured a fleeting impression. Curator: Precisely. The very fashion he embodies reflects a specific socio-political moment. Clothing in the 17th century was a clear indicator of status. This figure's elaborate ruff, wide-brimmed hat, and the cut of his jacket signify a certain level of affluence, potentially connected to the rising merchant class or those affiliated with military service. Editor: I’m drawn to the execution of the clothing. The way the ink defines the pleats of his breeches and the textures of the fabric invites thoughts on the labour and craftsmanship involved in producing such garments. The quality of materials denotes status but also speaks to wider systems of production and trade. Curator: A crucial element. Nolpe, known for genre paintings and prints depicting scenes from everyday life, frequently embedded subtle social commentary. His portrayal aligns with art historical precedents from that era regarding dress. The use of ink also offers the opportunity to address questions of printmaking and access. Consider the social implications of art making accessible. Editor: And it also captures an intriguing dynamic in materiality. There's the immediate act of the artist applying ink to paper, capturing a sense of life through lines, juxtaposed with his detailed focus on the production of textiles to replicate high fashion trends of the time. Each informs the other. Curator: A valuable link. Nolpe invites us to analyze his world—how dress informed status and shaped the lived experiences of those he represents. He opens a dialogue on questions of representation in the midst of Dutch Golden Age painting. Editor: Indeed. The interplay of representation, material culture, and social dynamics captured here gives insight into this formative period. Curator: Precisely, a moment to reflect on access and materiality. Editor: Absolutely, seeing how creation and context meld together in a small work on paper is pretty insightful.