Habit of the Daughter to the Duke of Orleans in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This beautiful engraving dating from 1700, produced by Thomas Jefferys, portrays the height of French Baroque style. The figure illustrated here shows the Daughter of the Duke of Orléans wearing a fashionable court habit, which exemplifies the shift to the end of Louis XIV’s reign.

Her outfit consists of an elegant, long corset called the grand corps, intricately decorated with lavish embroidery and embellished with priceless jewels. Her skirt is gracefully arranged at the rear to expose an ornate underskirt. The high lace fontange headdress, tiered with layers, further enhances the elegance of her appearance, indicating her high social standing among the members of the royal family.