Habit of a Lady in Rome in 1626

by Thomas Jefferys

The magnificent work of Thomas Jefferys represents the elegant "Habit of a Lady in Rome" in 1626. The style and fashion of this time were characterized by elegance and grandeur. Fashion of Rome reflected both severity of the Spanish court and sophistication of Italy.

This plate presents an example of the high-waisted bodice and floor-length overskirt, which were popular at the dawn of the Baroque era. It can be easily noticed the lace vandyke collar, typical for this century, as well as the braided ornament known as galloon. Thus, this plate is more than an illustration. In fact, it can be regarded as a sociological map of the Roman elite under Urban VIII.