COSTER, Jan - Messenger's Badge (Artwork) Crewneck Sweatshirt
A Symbol of Civic Authority and Artistic Excellence
This sweatshirt showcases the iconic design of Jan Coster's "Messenger's Badge," a remarkable piece of 16th-century Netherlandish silverwork. The design, originally crafted for the city of Amsterdam's official messenger, embodies a powerful blend of functionality and artistic achievement.
The Emblem of the Messenger
The central element of the design, the badge itself, is a testament to the messenger's role. It represents the authority and official status granted to those tasked with delivering critical communications. The design acts as a visual credential, essential for safe passage and recognition within the city and beyond.
Mannerist Flair and Intricate Detail
The sweatshirt's design captures the essence of Coster's artistic brilliance. The badge's intricate framing, featuring decorative motifs derived from graphic art, is a hallmark of the Mannerist style. This includes the use of strapwork, a popular design element of the time.
Satyrs, often confined by the strapwork, can be found in the design as well. The presence of these mythical figures highlights the cross-pollination of artistic styles that characterized the era. This element suggests an interplay between the functional, the civic, and the decorative.
A Testament to Craftsmanship and Symbolism
This design is not just a visual representation; it's a statement. It reflects the craftsmanship of the period and its significance in civic life. The design's presence on the sweatshirt serves as a reminder of an era where art and function were intertwined, where a badge held symbolic weight, and where every detail spoke of authority, artistry, and the vital role of communication.
Unisex Heavy-Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt
A clean, dependable crewneck engineered for everyday wear. The cotton/poly blend keeps prints bright and the fit approachable — neither too boxy nor too snug. It's the sort of sweatshirt you reach for when comfort matters.
Product Highlights
Built from a balanced cotton and polyester mix, this crewneck gives you the soft hand of cotton with the color-keeping and shape retention polyester offers. That fabric combo helps printed artwork look crisp and vibrant, wash after wash.
Practical construction details — a ribbed knit collar that holds its shape and the absence of side seams — remove common annoyances so the sweatshirt feels smooth and lasting during everyday use.
- Cotton/poly blend for softness, durability, and color retention
- Ribbed knit collar to prevent stretching and keep a neat neckline
- No side seams for a cleaner feel against the skin
- Midweight construction — warm without bulk
- Made to hold print detail and color after repeated washing
Fit & Style Notes
The cut is unisex and intended to be versatile — choose your normal size for a classic fit or size up if you prefer a relaxed, contemporary silhouette. The length and sleeve proportions are tuned for easy layering.
Style it with high-waist jeans for a clean look, throw on a lightweight coat for chilly commutes, or match with joggers for a comfortable set. Works well with bold prints or minimalist branding.
Size Guide
For best results, measure a crewneck you already own laid flat and compare the chest width and length to the chart below.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 20.00 | 27.00 | 33.50 |
| M | 22.01 | 28.00 | 34.50 |
| L | 24.00 | 29.00 | 35.50 |
| XL | 26.00 | 30.00 | 36.50 |
| 2XL | 28.00 | 31.00 | 37.50 |
| 3XL | 30.00 | 32.00 | 38.50 |
| 4XL | 32.00 | 33.00 | 39.50 |
| 5XL | 34.00 | 34.00 | 40.50 |
Tip: For a trendier, roomy fit, size up one. For layering under a jacket, stick to your usual size.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash cold (max 30°C / 90°F)
- Use non-chlorine bleach only when necessary
- Do not dry clean
- Tumble dry on low heat
- Do not iron
