Habit of Tancred in the Tragedy of Tancred & Sigismunda

by Thomas Jefferys

This magnificent plate by Thomas Jefferys commemorates the pinnacle of artificial drama in the mid-eighteenth century. Instead of the exact replication of historical clothing, the Habit of Tancred captures the ‘Heroic Style’ of the London theatre scene. In order to create this effect, Jefferys relies on line work that creates contrasts between the metallic gleam of the prince’s armor and the flowy fabric of the mourning gown he wears.

This is an outfit intended to be worn not in battle, but at the Drury Lane Theatre.