Habit of the French King's Palace Guard

by Thomas Jefferys

This highly refined copperplate engraving by Thomas Jefferys gives us a precise visual account of the Habit of the Garde du Corps of the French King. Created in the middle of the 18th century, this piece gives us an insight into the special ceremonial dress of the elite soldiers responsible for the security of the French king. The works of Thomas Jefferys are famous for their ethnographical accuracy in detailing the various elements of the costume of the soldiers, including the elaborate embroidery and unique headgear and weapons.

This plate can be considered an indispensable source for historians researching the military uniforms of the 18th century and collectors interested in the royal history of Europe.