Habit of a Lady of Bologna

by Thomas Jefferys

Take a journey back in time to Italy in the 18th century through this stunning copper engraving that comes from Thomas Jefferys’ famous book A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations. The particular plate features “The Habit of a Lady of Bologna,” displaying the elegant combination of dignity and fashion that distinguished the ladies in Bologna.

This plate displays the elegance of the dress of the era, from its carefully constructed bodice, graceful overskirt, and finely designed lace. The fine line engravings bring life into the heavy fabrics in a way that elevates this piece above mere fashion; rather, it captures an element of life in high society in the 1760s.