Patrician fashion in the 16th century

This depiction from the Chronik Eisenberger shows members of a patrician family in Frankfurt am Main in clothes appropriate to their social rank: Friderich, magistrate and councillor in Frankfurt, with both of his wives (the second marriage to Stephania followed the death of his first wife Catharina). The bearded Friderich, is wearing Turkish trousers with half-length black and brown stockings, a fur-trimmed schaube and a beret – typical ceremonial dress. The ladies are wearing a long schaube. The opulent decorative bands at the bottom and the short sleeves with slit decoration denote the social status and were the subject of detailed provisions in the dress regulations. Both men and women are wearing a ruff and the married women are wearing the obligatory bonnet. The jewellery – in this case long neck chains – has an important representative role. Clothing is not only an expression of status, but a means by which to attain status. The combination of expensive elaborate clothing and the coat of arms underlining the property and ennoblement rights of the family are an indication of increased self-confidence.

Philipp Eisenberger (1548–1607), "Friderich Rorbach seine zwey Eheliche weyber", the Chronik Eisenberger, 16th century; source: Gemeinnützige Stiftung Schloss Weissenstein in Pommersfelden/Kunstsammlungen Graf von Schönborn.