Habit of a Lady of Quality in France

by Thomas Jefferys

Thomas Jefferys' (c. 1757) hand-painted engraving titled “Habit of a Lady of Quality in France” reflects the pinnacle of French elegance of the mid-18th century. This engraving can be viewed as a definitive representation of the era.

A young lady is presented wearing an outfit called a Robe à la Française with all characteristic features like the architecture of the garment, furbelow trimmings, and "Watteau pleats" falling from her shoulders. Even such small elements like lace engageantes at her elbows point to the social structure of the time and the level of dressmaking in Paris at that time.