Habit of the King of Poland and Elector of Saxony in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

The stunning plate, initially designed for inclusion in the definitive 18th-century costume anthology by Thomas Jefferys, highlights the complex nature of Augustus II the Strong. His position as both the King of Poland and the Elector of Saxony is reflected in his costume, which combines the martial grandeur of Central Europe and the splendor of High Baroque fashion.

By 1700, the Sun King of the North was reaching the zenith of his power. This engraving depicts the Habit of the King of Poland, featuring the harmonious blend of Szlachta traditions of Poland and Lithuania and the stiff, elaborate styles of the Saxon court.