Habit of a Noble Woman of Swabia in 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

This copperplate engraving from 1581, noted in a work by Thomas Jefferys, perfectly portrays the dignified and stern figure of a Noble Woman of Swabia. As opposed to the rich fabrics worn by the court ladies of Italy, the ladies of Swabia of the late 16th century valued their clothes' structure and heavy, dark fabric, indicating the emerging influence of Protestantism in Swabia.

This image depicts the complex hairstyle, or headdress (Hube), of the noble woman, along with her high-collared chemise, accompanied by a fur-lined coat (Schaube). Such attire was a clear indicator that the lady belongs to the aristocratic class.