Bern. Summer Costume
1821
Franz Niklaus König captures the essence of Swiss rural charm in this 1821 fashion study, likely part of a series documenting regional costumes. The woman is dressed in a traditional Bernese summer outfit, sporting a straw hat decorated with flowers and a long, pleated white skirt that looks incredibly breezy. She holds a basket brimming with cherries and a sprig of roses, embodying the Romantic era's fascination with idyllic country life and simple pleasures. It’s a delightful snapshot of historical fashion, showing us exactly how a stylish woman in Bern would dress for a summer stroll before the modern era took over.