Plate 34: Ottoman Female and Male Attire - Abraham de Bruyn

A detailed 1581 hand-coloured engraving by Abraham de Bruyn depicting traditional Ottoman male and female attire.

This hand-coloured engraving by Abraham de Bruyn originates from the 1581 publication 'Omnium pene Europae, Asiae, Aphricae atque Americae gentium habitus'. De Bruyn, a Flemish engraver and publisher based in Antwerp, produced this series to document the diverse clothing styles of global cultures. The work reflects the European fascination with the Ottoman Empire during the late sixteenth century, a period when trade and diplomatic contact between the West and the East were increasing.

The composition presents four figures arranged in a linear fashion, typical of costume books of the era. Each figure is depicted with attention to the specific textiles, patterns, and accessories that defined their social or professional status. The Latin inscriptions at the base provide context for the attire, distinguishing between the domestic dress of commoners and the specific garments worn by individuals in public or military roles. The central male figure, equipped with a bow and quiver, contrasts with the three female figures, whose layered robes and head coverings demonstrate the variety of traditional dress found within the region.

Technically, the print displays the precise line work characteristic of sixteenth-century copperplate engraving. The application of colour, likely added by hand after the initial printing, enhances the visual distinction between the fabrics. The figures stand upon a simple ground line, a common convention in early modern illustration that prioritises the clarity of the costume over environmental detail. This print offers a glimpse into how European observers categorised and visualised the inhabitants of the Ottoman world, serving as a record of historical fashion and cultural perception.