New Books in Anthropology Camilla Annerfeldt, "Clothing and Identity in Early Modern Rome" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
May 24, 2025
Camilla Annerfeldt, the author of "Clothing and Identity in Early Modern Rome," shares her insights as a researcher focused on clothing as a social identity marker. She discusses how garments influenced perceptions of social status beyond strict class boundaries in early modern Rome. Annerfeldt explores the role of clothing in personal expression during the Carnival, reflects on the impact of travel writings, and reveals the complexities of attire in the context of sex work, illustrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of the era.
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Annerfeldt's Origin Story
- Camilla Annerfeldt's interest in clothing and social identity began with art history and fashion design studies.
- Her PhD focused on typical Roman dress sparked by analyzing Caravaggio's paintings and historical sources.
Clothing Reveals Identity Layers
- Clothing reveals gender, nationality, religion, profession, and class as social identity markers.
- Rome was a unique melting pot where such distinctions, especially class, were harder to define due to its diverse population.
Key Dress Elements to Spot
- When interpreting a woman's clothing in 1585 Rome, look for garments like dresses, bodices, sleeves, and especially headscarves.
- Note that head coverings were legally mandated but not always followed, showing disconnect between law and practice.