Habit of a Spaniard of Montevideo in South America in 1764

by Thomas Jefferys

Return to the middle of the 18th century through this fascinating costume illustration by Thomas Jefferys from his pioneering publication entitled A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations. This particular illustration portrays a Habit of a Spaniard of Montevideo and provides a unique insight into the identification of the colonial aristocracy in present-day Uruguay.

The subject is portrayed with the typical regality of the Spanish hidalgo wearing a broad brimmed hat, a well-made doublet, and the iconic cape. Far from just being fashionable attire, these clothes acted as symbols of rank and “civilization” in the developing port town used as a defensive fortification to counteract any further Portuguese aggression.