Habit of a Spaniard of Montevideo in South America in 1764

by Thomas Jefferys

The unique image of Thomas Jefferys is dated to 1764 and provides insight into the social structure of the Río de la Plata area during its colonial period. During this era, Montevideo was an important point for Spain in terms of military and economic interests, and this attire, called the "Habit of a Spaniard," indicates prestige and European cultural presence in South America.

The image presents an image of a Spanish colonist wearing an outfit from 18th century Montevideo. Thomas Jefferys, who served as the Geographer to King George III, was famous for ethnographic exactness in his illustrations. This man usually wears the traditional capa and a wide-brimmed hat, combining his homeland's culture with the needs of life on the windswept plains of Uruguay.