Habit of a Lady of Silesia in 1577

by Thomas Jefferys

This extraordinary historical engraving depicts the elegance of a noble woman from Silesia in Central Europe in the late Renaissance period. This item comes from "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, Antient and Modern," a renowned and definitive publication from the 18th century (dated from 1757 to 1772). The costumes from different regions were carefully selected and recorded by the eminent English geographer and engraver Thomas Jefferys.

The engraving dates back to an original design in 1577. This engraving is characterized by the elaborate clothing layering, weighty fabric, and elaborate headwear characteristic of the nobility of Silesia in the late 16th century. Thomas Jefferys' work is an important historical reference that bridges the history of art with the history of costumes in early anthropology.