Habit of a Turkish Dancer in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This beautiful copperplate engraving illustrates the Habit of a Turkish Dancer, depicting the grace and intricate design of the 18th-century Ottoman costume of women. Contrary to the stiff bodices seen among 18th-century costumes in Western Europe, this type of attire highlights motion and drapery.

The dancer wears a long kaftan that is draped around her body with a pair of shalvar trousers underneath, secured around her waist with an intricately decorated belt. Her headwear, a beautifully crafted turban with jewel or feather embellishments, symbolizes her elevated status within society. The artwork not only provides details of a particular style of clothing but also depicts the fascination of the Europeans of the time period with the concept of "Turquerie."