Habit of a Noble Matron of Venice

by Thomas Jefferys

Return to the elegance of the Italian Renaissance era through this elegant copper plate engraving by the renowned 18th century geographer and cartographer, Thomas Jefferys. First appearing in his landmark publication, A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, Antient and Modern, between 1757 and 1772, this intriguing image portrays the pinnacle of 16th century Venetian elegance.

The figure depicted in this piece is the Dame Vénitienne, or the Noble Matron of Venice, wearing her typical dress from the year 1581. This is no ordinary dress, but one that embodies the extravagance, rigid class system, and extraordinary skill at fabric production that made Venice great during its prime.