Costume Plate: German Messenger 1553 - 1575

Enea Vico created this print of a German Messenger in the mid-16th century. It gives us insight into the social and cultural life of the Holy Roman Empire. Vico’s messenger is heavily armed. His dress and accoutrements are detailed with a precision made possible by the printmaking process. The “German” in the title refers to the region, but also to a stereotype. The Holy Roman Empire was a patchwork of kingdoms, principalities, and free cities. Its inhabitants were known for their distinctive costumes and customs, which this print meticulously records. Prints such as these circulated among collectors and artists. They served as a visual record of different cultures, providing examples of dress, fashion, and social types for a growing print market. Close examination of Vico’s print can tell us much about period perceptions of regional identity. As a historian, I would consult costume books, travel accounts, and other visual sources to understand how contemporaries viewed the people and places depicted in Vico’s print. This helps us to contextualize the image, moving beyond face value to a deeper understanding of its historical meaning.