Habit of a French Man of Quality in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

The print, initially printed by Thomas Jefferys during the mid-eighteenth century, provides an interesting "snapshot" of French aristocratic fashion trends between the late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century. It shows the shift from the elaborate Baroque styles favored by King Louis XIV to the elegant Rococo period.

In the year 1700, one did not merely talk about being a "Man of Quality"; they dressed like one. The print depicts the Justacorps, which is a long coat reaching down to the knees and was the precursor to the modern-day three-piece suit.