An Ancient Habit of a Maid Servant in Friesland

by Thomas Jefferys

This exquisite copper plate engraving shows a servant girl from the Dutch province of Friesland in her traditional “ancient habit.” Jefferys provides a wealth of information about the rigid, elaborate lace cap, which predated the now-famous Frisian oorijzer, as well as the thick, layered fabrics typical of the area’s class system.

As a product of the 18th century craze for “costume books,” which endeavored to classify the world via wardrobe, this depiction represents an era where Paris and London styles were more fluid than durable. As such, the Frisian costume is considered highly collectible among enthusiasts of cartography, fashion, and Dutch culture.