Habit of a Gentleman in the Highlands of Scotland in 1745

by Thomas Jefferys

The fascinating wood engraving from 1745 by Thomas Jefferys depicts the elegance of a Scottish clan chief prior to their proscription. Avoiding the idealized image of "Victorian Scotland," Jefferys has depicted the true Great Plaid (feileadh-mór) and demonstrates how gentlemen of that period combined preparedness for war with classiness. The cross-hatching used in the print draws attention to the fabric, which was made out of heavy wool and also to the polished steel of the weaponry of the chief depicted.