Summer Habit of a Russian Woman with her Cloak off in 1765

by Thomas Jefferys

This magnificent plate from Thomas Jefferys’ classic book, A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, is an example of the style prevailing among the Russians in the middle of the 18th century in warmer months. In particular, it was Jefferys’ intent to illustrate the woman without her "cloak on" in order to demonstrate the details of the under-sleeves which would have been concealed by the fur during colder seasons.

The picture shows an amalgamation of traditional Slavic motifs combined with the effects of the Baroque style prevalent in Europe, in particular the characteristic kokoshnik headdress.