Habit of a Lady of Quality of Naples

by Thomas Jefferys

Take a trip back in time to the apex of 16th-century Naples royalty with this stunning fashion plate designed by the illustrious cartographer and geographer, Thomas Jefferys. In this particular illustration, we see a woman from the Neapolitan kingdom who highlights just how much luxury and “quality” was found among the upper echelons.

Dressed in a gown with an elaborate neck line, gold decoration and lace collar known as the colletto a lattuga, this Neapolitan woman has a fitted bodice with full puffed sleeves that are reminiscent of the Spanish influence felt in Southern Italy at the time. Not only is this a representation of 1581 fashions, but it offers insight into the social structure and craftsmanship of Italian textiles during the period.