Habit of a French Nobleman in 1660

by Thomas Jefferys

Embark on an exploration of Baroque elegance with this masterpiece of a plate by Thomas Jefferys, which portrays the elegant Habit of a French Nobleman around the year 1660. The engraving highlights the period when King Louis XIV was just beginning his rule, marked by the shift from uniforms to elaborate clothes adorned with lace.

This plate is a prime example of documenting the “justacorps” shape, rhingraves, and the cascading cravat style. It is not only a remarkable piece that documents the 17th-century European social hierarchy but also marks the start of France’s reign in the world of fashion.