Return to the middle of the 18th century through this fascinating costume illustration by Thomas Jefferys from his pioneering publication entitled A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations. This particular illustration portrays a Habit of a Spaniard of Montevideo and provides a unique insight into the identification of the colonial aristocracy in present-day Uruguay.The subject is portrayed with the typical regality of the Spanish hidalgo wearing a broad brimmed hat, a well-made doublet, and the iconic cape. Far from just being fashionable attire, these clothes acted as symbols of rank and “civilization” in the developing port town used as a defensive fortification to counteract any further Portuguese aggression.
