Habit of the Dutchess of Venice in 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

Here we have an image of the Habit of the Duchess of Venice, showing how the dress looked like in 1581. The print was originally produced by Thomas Jefferys, a renowned geographer and engraver who worked during the 18th century.

In the portrait, we see the Duchess wearing a Zimarra, which was a very ornate and elegant open-front robe whose defining features were the shoulders' structure and rich brocade. Contrary to the more restrictive garments worn at the Spanish court, the dresses worn in Venice in 1581 emphasized elegance and volume while also featuring a high waistline. As a sign of her position as the wife of the Doge, the Duchess is shown wearing a Corno Ducale, a special horn-shaped hat that was typical for duchesses.