Habit of a Noble Lady of Alexandria in 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

This extremely rare copperplate engraving, which was made famous by Thomas Jefferys' seminal work A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, illustrates the elegant outline of a Noble Lady of Alexandria. Even though it was engraved in the 18th century, it shows the detailed style of a 16th-century wood engraving. This represents the complex cultural mix during the Ottoman rule of Egypt.

The lady in the print is dressed in a voluminous and high waisted robe known as a kaftan. She is wearing an elaborate conical shaped tantour or turban. It is decorated with a long silk veil and reflects the lavish but refined expectations placed on the upper class women of Alexandria. This particular print is an invaluable source when studying the history of Mediterranean textiles.