Nobleman of Burgundy in Blue Cape and Puffed Trunk Hose, 1577, Jefferys 1757

This is an original antique copper engraving with hand coloring, lettered "Habit of a Nobleman of Burgundy, in 1577." It is plate 157 from Thomas Jefferys' A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, published in London in 1757. The bearded nobleman strides forward in a bright blue cape that billows out behind his shoulders. He wears a tall dark hat with red plumes, a ruff and light green sleeves, and holds a pair of gloves in his outstretched right hand while pointing downward with his left. His very full brown trunk hose are set with a broad gold embroidered panel. A sword hangs at his side, and he wears pale stockings tied with mauve garter bows and dark shoes.

The English title is engraved in script below the figure, with the French caption "Noble de Bourgogne." (Nobleman of Burgundy) beneath it and the plate number 157 at lower right. No engraver or designer is named on the plate. The date in the English title is the date of the costume shown; the print itself was published in 1757.

Thomas Jefferys, Geographer to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, published the second volume of A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, Antient and Modern from his premises in the Strand, London, in 1757. As the title page states, the figures follow the designs of Holbein, Vandyke, Hollar and others. The book was bilingual, with the French title Recueil des Habillements de Différentes Nations, and its plates pair an English title in script with a shorter French caption.

The plate works well framed on its own, or as part of a small group of regional costume prints in matching frames.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.