Habit of a Nobleman of Spain in 1660

by Thomas Jefferys

This extraordinary engraving, created by famous cartographer and geographer Thomas Jefferys, vividly conveys the stern yet proud appearance of a member of Spanish nobility during the waning years of the reign of Habsburg dynasty. By 1660, the Spanish royal court was still a fortress of strict adherence to tradition; when the whole of Europe celebrated the luxurious silken clothing of the French Baroque style, the Spaniard proudly sported his Golilla - an emblematic high standing neck piece indicating austerity and strict position in the society.

In addition to conveying an image of the famous 'Spanish black' clothing, which was obtained using highly expensive coloring materials, originating in the New World, the print reveals many characteristics of the period known as 'the Black Legend': from sword carried on a belt to the high standing collar and the doublet.