Habit of a Citizen's Wife of London in 1640

by Thomas Jefferys

This vivid engraving represents the “middling sort” of English society before the outbreak of the English Civil War. Whereas the ornate lace worn at the court represented opulence and flamboyance, the attire worn by the Citizen’s Wife symbolizes the elegance and affluence of the middle class.

The lady’s costume is characterized by a well-built bodice and high waistline, combined with a typical wide-brimmed steeple hat. The heavy folds of her skirts and her carefully made ruff show that she belongs to the wealthy class that cherishes modesty and practicality.