Noua nupta Veneta, Virgo Veneta, Vidua 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 Venetian bride, a young Venetian woman, and a Venetian widow. On the left, the bride wears a gown with a floral pattern of brocaded silk (?), short puff sleeves with ruffled border over long puff sleeves, and a paneled skirt over a second full skirt with train. The paneled skirt is bordered with a (possibly jeweled) strip of scrolling motifs and a second strip of pearls. The bodice has a deep point, bordered with fabric, and the neckline is ruffled. She wears two strips of pearls around her neck, the shorter one with hanging round pendants, and matching pendant earrings with large, round stones. Her hair is tied up, and from it hags a veil, possibly embroidered. She holds a feather fan on her left hand.

On the center, the young girl wears a full dress with long sleeves and train made with plain fabric, and a long veil that covers her face and hangs on her shoulders and behind her back. The dress of the widow is similar, exchept that her face is visible under the vail. She carries a rosary on her left hand, counting the beads with her fingers.