Habit of a Persian Lady in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

The 1757 "Habit of a Persian Lady in 1700" engraved by Thomas Jefferys is the perfect representation of the documentation carried out during the 18th century.

While most 18th century engravings were mere decorations for display, this image of the "Persian Lady" acts as a link between Orientalist interest and costume documentation. It displays the typical elaborate dressing of the upper classes in Isfahan and highlights the charqad (head cover) and the large and elaborate pirahan (tunic).

One characteristic that distinguishes this engraving from others is that it represents a transitional period of time when Persian aesthetics were beginning to influence the European craze for the "Turquerie". The attitude of the "Persian Lady" is typical of that era where Europe was fascinated with the "exotic" East.