An Ancient Habit of a Married Woman in Friesland

by Thomas Jefferys

In this elegant 18th-century engraving on copper by Thomas Jefferys, one gets a glimpse of the unique culture of the people in the Netherlands in the north known as Friesland. This illustration was published in London around 1757 within his influential book, “A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations,” which focuses on the “ancient habit” or the dress code of married ladies from the area.

This image illustrates the shift from late Renaissance influence to the folk fashion of the region. These features are the high waisted bodice, the pleated skirt, and the characteristic oorijzer (ear iron), which is the early version of the Frisian headgear made of gold. The use of lines by Jefferys brings out the contrast between the heavy material of wool and fine lace fabric, representing the prosperity and pride of the Frisian merchants and farmers.