Saxon Fashion, 1497–1546

These illustrations come from Das Sächsische Stammbuch, an illustrated genealogical manuscript depicting the rulers of Saxony and their families.

The dates refer to different stages of the manuscript’s creation. Most of the original illustrations were completed around 1500, but the book was expanded in the 1530s, with further additions and alterations made around 1546.

Although the manuscript depicts historical figures from different centuries, they are generally dressed according to the fashions of the time when the illustrations were created.

In the earlier drawings, we can still see a strong influence of Burgundian fashion (which we explored in a previous post). The later illustrations, however, reflect the distinctive Saxon styles that became influential in European fashion during the 1510s–1530s. One characteristic example is the Schaube, a garment we’ve also covered in a separate post.

Of course, these illustrations should not be treated as exact documentary records of historical clothing. The figures are predominantly rulers and members of the high nobility, and their costumes often include symbolic elements, such as crowns and swords, rather than purely fashionable accessories.

For this selection, I deliberately left out most of the rulers depicted in ceremonial robes and crowns, as these tell us much less about the actual cuts, silhouettes, and changing fashions of the period.

Source: Das Sächsische Stammbuch, SLUB Dresden, Mscr.Dresd.R.3.