Uniformen en klederdrachten

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Uniformen en Klederdrachten** (*Uniforms and Costumes*), an etching by Dutch Joannes Bemme from 1800–1841, offers a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century attire. Measuring 280 mm high by 203 mm wide, this print meticulously documents uniforms and traditional garments, likely reflecting the military and civilian fashions of the Napoleonic era through the post-revolutionary Netherlands. Bemme, active during this transitional period, specialized in such detailed illustrations, capturing the social distinctions embodied in clothing. Etching's intaglio technique—where acid etches fine lines into a metal plate—enabled precise reproductions, making it perfect for costume studies that could be widely distributed. These works held cultural importance, preserving national dress amid rapid political changes, from French occupation to Dutch independence, when interest in heritage and regalia surged. Bearing the esteemed collector's mark Lugt 2228 (from Frits Lugt's catalog of marks), this piece signifies its recognition among discerning collectors, underscoring its enduring value as a historical artifact in printmaking and fashion history.