Tabellarius Ragousanus, qui Constantinopolin proficiscitur caussa Legatorum; Mercator Ragousanus, olim Epidaurius; Mercator Iudaeus. vt Constantinopoli negotiatur; Ex Armenia mercatoris effigies
Abraham de Bruyn Flemish
Publisher Joos de Bosscher Netherlandish
Not on view
Engraving, part of 'Omnium pene Europae, Asiae, Aphricae atque Americae Gentium Habitus' (Costumes of the various nations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America), a series of prints representing figures from various parts of the world, engraved by Abraham de Bruyn and published by Joos de Bosscher in 1580.
This engraving represents a Ragusan letter carrier, a Ragusan merchant, a Jewish merchant doing business in Constantinople, and an Armenian merchant. On the left, the letter carrier wears a long-sleeved, fur-trimmed overcoat over a jacket with long skirt and fabric belt, hose and low-heeled, pointed-toe shoes. He wears a hat with loose pointed tips on the sides.
The Ragusan merchant wears a fur cape and a short-sleeved coat over a long-sleeved, knee-length robe with fabric belt, stockings and flat shoes. He has short beard and mustache, and wears a pointed hat with fur.
The Jewish merchant wears a short-sleeved overcoat over a long-sleeved, calf-length robe with striped fabric belt, stockings and flat, pointed-toe shoes. He has short beard and mustache, and wears a turban. On his left arm he carries what seem to be folded pieces of fabric.
On the right, the Armenian merchant wears a short-sleeved, fur-lined overcoat over a long-sleeved, ankle-length robe with a striped, fringe-edged belt, stockings and flat shoes. He has short beard and mustache, and wears a turban.