Habit of a Beguine of Antwerp

by Thomas Jefferys

The "Habit of a Beguine of Antwerp" is an absolutely stunning historical etching by the famous English cartographer and geographer Thomas Jefferys of the 18th century. The etching originally appeared in his seminal book entitled "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations," published in 1757. It presents an excellent ethnographical depiction of the Beguine, which is an inhabitant of a peculiar order of laity in Belgium.

As seen from the picture, its author focused on the architecture of her clothes. One can notice a distinctive feature of her outfit—the light, pure, linen headscarf (faille) that contrasts sharply with the dark, woolen cloak worn by the woman. It should be noted that unlike the images of nuns, Jefferys' etching presents a distinctively urban Beguine from Antwerp.