An Ancient Habit of a Noble Virgin of Friesland

by Thomas Jefferys

Step back to the 18th century with this beautiful copperplate engraving by renowned cartographer Thomas Jefferys, the official map maker of King George III. Originally part of his definitive publication A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, this plate portrays the "Ancient Habit" (clothing) of a lady from Friesland, an area comprising parts of the Netherlands and Germany.

This engraving provides a unique glimpse of the ethnography of the 18th century. Through this work, one can see the use of detailed lace, draping fabric, and elaborate headwear of the ladies of Friesland in those times. Unlike the common reprints of today, this piece was created with the aim of educating the British ruling class on the "manners and customs" of their neighbors.