Full Dress of a Roman Lady in 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

This finely engraved print, issued by Thomas Jefferys, presents an extremely well-rendered view of the complete attire of a Roman lady in the year 1581. Reflecting the evolving style of 16th-century Italian fashion, this print captures the complex layering and silhouette that are typical of late 16th century attire. The costume incorporates the high waistline bodice and overskirt combination that was frequently worn with lace and the trademark ruff collar for upper class women. This print provides a valuable source of ethnographic documentation for the transition from the lavish Renaissance period into the more rigid Elizabethan period.

For the dedicated collector, this print provides a great opportunity to collect Thomas Jefferys' cartographic artistry in the area of costume history.