Habit of a Country Man near Nuremberg in 1755

by Thomas Jefferys

A beautifully rendered copperplate engraving, “Country Man,” by Thomas Jefferys, is able to illustrate the unique vernacular fashion of the countryside of Franconia in the middle of the 18th century. Contrasting with the powdered wigs and silk worn in the town, this figure is a symbol of elegance and masculinity.

The artwork reflects the movement from simple clothing worn by the people of the time towards the fashion typical of the Enlightenment period. It can be seen through such features as the distinctive wide-brimmed hat worn in order to be protected from the weather, the doublet that has many buttons, and breeches.