Habit of a Swiss Magistrate in 1577

by Thomas Jefferys

The plate created by Thomas Jefferys in 1772 offers an interesting insight into the clothing worn by officials during the late 16th century. Derived from Hans Weigel's paintings, this plate represents "the Habit of a Swiss Magistrate in 1577" and demonstrates the significance and importance of being an official within the framework of Renaissance culture.

The picture presents a Swiss magistrate dressed in formal attire typical for that era, when fashion moved from the medieval period to the Reformation era. The Swiss magistrate was usually depicted wearing a schaube, a coat of a heavy fabric lined with fur worn over the doublet, and thereby demonstrating wealth and a high position in terms of judicial authority.