Habit of a Commander of a Corps of the Strelitz in 1764

by Thomas Jefferys

In this stunning copperplate engraving by Thomas Jefferys, from his highly significant book A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, there is a depiction of change taking place within the Russian army. Even though the "Streltsy" or "Strelitz," as they were known, had been disbanded after the uprising in 1698, thanks to Peter the Great, this engraving by Jefferys is essential for the history of Russian army costume before the modernization period.

In the engraving, the commander is wearing a kaftan, which is a long heavy coat worn by members of the nobility in Russia. The engraving demonstrates the "old-world" style of Russian dress, a far cry from the Prussian-inspired uniform adopted in the 18th century.