Dux Venetis, Ducissa Veneta

Engraving, part of 'Habitus variarum orbis gentium' (Costumes of the various peoples of the world), representing the costumes of men and women from various parts of the world, engraved after designs by Boissard and published by Rutz in 1581.

This engraving represents a duke and duchess from Venice, standing in a chamber, facing each other, on either side of a bed. The duke, on the left, wears a long cloak with train, brocaded with a floral pattern, under a shorter, layered cape with high neck bordered with fur, fastened with round buttons at the front. A pointed hat, also brocaded with a floral pattern, and embellished with a jeweled band, covers his head. A long robe, fastened with buttons down the front, is seen under the cloak.

The duchess, on the right, wears a long gown with plunging, square neckline and full skirt with long train. The bodice has a long point on the front, bordered with round pearls; pearls also mark the bustline. A large cloak with long, wide sleeves, brocaded with a floral pattern and trimmed with ermine, is worn over the gown. A sort of hood, made of pleated veil, hangs from the cloak behind the shoulders. The hair is tied up, held by a pointed headdress with pearls and a jeweled brooch. A pearl necklace with a pendant medallion and matching pendant earrings with medallions, and a pair of gloves, held on the right hand, complete the outfit.