Nobilis foemina Veneta, Habitus domesticus aestiuus, Habitus Venetoe plebeioe domesticus

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 Venetian noble woman, a summer house dress, and a 'plebeian' house dress. On the left, the Venetian noble woman wears a dress with ruffled neckline, short puff sleeves with a floral brocaded pattern, bordered with ruffles, over long puff sleeves, and a full skirt, trimmed with fur, over a petticoat with a floral brocaded pattern. The point of the bodice is decorated with a chain. She wears her hair tied up in braids, covered with a long veil that falls behind her back, and a pearl necklace. She holds a lace fan on her right hand.

The summer house dress consists of a long, draped gown with high waist, train, and long puff sleeves, worn over a brocaded petticoat with floral pattern. A flower brooch decorates the bustline, and a pearl necklace adorns the chest. A sort of cape is tied to the waistline of the dress and hangs over the shoulders and behind the back. The border of the sleeves is ruffled. The hair is held up by a small, square comb. A rectangular fan is held on the right hand.

The 'plebeian' house dress consists of a full gown with long puff sleeves and short train. The stomacher has a floral pattern and the sleeves are striped; the fabric of the skirt and petticoat is plain. A short shawl covers the shoulders, fastened at the front. The hair is held up with braids. Large pearl earrings and a pearl necklace complete the outfit.