An Ancient Habit of a Nobleman of Friesland

by Thomas Jefferys

In this stunning copperplate engraving, Thomas Jefferys provides an exact view of the historical identity of the Frisian aristocracy. Published around 1757–1772, the engraving belongs to the remarkable set, A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations. This particular print depicts the "Ancient Habit" of a Nobleman from Friesland, which refers to present-day Netherlands and Germany.

The person featured wears the elaborate clothing characteristic of the nobility in Northern Europe. Thomas Jefferys' trademark attention to detail can be seen in the way he describes the texture of the materials; for instance, he depicts the weightiness of the doublet and a particular way the mantle is folded. The use of regional costume becomes clear when viewed through the prism of its cultural symbolism.