Nobilis Faemina Bononiensis, Virgo nobilis Bononiensis, Faemina Bononiensis
Designer Jean Jacques Boissard French
Engraver Julius Goltzius Netherlandish
Publisher Caspar Rutz Netherlandish
Not on view
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 Bolognese noblewoman, a Bolognese damsel, and a Bolognese woman. On the left, the noblewoman wears a dress with layered, paneled skirts, the outer one with embroidered scrolling motifs and fur trimmings, and the petticoat with a brocaded floral pattern, and the bodice decorated with jeweled flowers and pearls, and chains marking the bustline. The sleeves are long and puffed, trimmed with bows. A ruff makes up the collar, framing a necklace and large trefoil pendant earrings. The hair is curled and tied up, covered by a cap and a long veil. A feather fan is held on the right hand.
On the center, the damsel wears a full gown under a hooded cloak that covers her head and face almost entirely. The skirt is long and with a short train, and the hands, holding the cloak, are also hidden inside it. On the right, the woman wears an outfit rather similar to the damsel in the center, with a long dress and a shawl that covers her head, arms, and most of the face.