Habit of Caledonian Woman

by Thomas Jefferys

This beautiful engraving presents us with the traditional "habit" of a Scottish female in mid-18th century. Taken from Thomas Jefferys' monumental project "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations", the engraving provides crucial link between cartography of Enlightenment period and fashion ethnography.

The engraving features Arisaid or the classic "plaid with a white belt," providing a unique opportunity to see the fabrics and draping style used in pre-industrialization era by highlanders in North Britain. By showing us a harmonious balance between practicality and cultural symbolism, Jefferys brings history back to life through the medium of his illustrations.