Habit of a Lady in Holland in 1640

by Thomas Jefferys

The exceptional copper engraving from 1757 provides an insight into the Golden Era of fashion in Holland. Produced by the celebrated cartographer and engraver Thomas Jefferys for his famous publication, A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, the plate represents the "Habit of a Lady in Holland in 1640."

Exemplifying the restrained elegance characteristic of the Dutch Republic, the engraving demonstrates the elaborate and distinguished fashion worn by a lady of the period, featuring elegant linen construction, well-structured bodices, and cultural peculiarities of fashion typical for the 17th century Low Countries. A brilliant example of historical costume representation, the print combines the elegance of 17th-century European fashion and 18th-century British engraving craftsmanship.