Habit of a Noble Matron of Venice 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

Return to the glory days of the Serenissima through this stunning copper plate engraving. The engraving features The Habit of a Noble Matron of Venice, which captures the elegance of the 16th century Italian nobility in an unprecedented manner. Initially curated by Thomas Jefferys, the engraving illustrates the unique silhouette and fabrics that signified the social standing of a noblewoman in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.

The engraving shows the distinct high-waisted bodice and wide skirts that characterized the time period. Lace detailing, elaborate embroidery, and elegant drapery of the silk mantle represent an age in which clothing represented power and ancestry. Jefferys’ impeccable lines of the 18th century bring history to life, creating a remarkable work of art in both costuming and printing.