Nobilis matrona Romana, Aulicum Scortum Romanum, Anus Romana
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 Roman noblewoman, a Roman courtesan, and a Roman old woman. On the left, the noblewoman wears a full gown with train and ruff collar, the lower part of the bodice trimmed with jeweled flowers and pearls. The sleeves are puffed and trimmed with bows around the shoulders. A jeweled necklace is around her neck, and a longer chain necklace hangs on her chest. Her hair is tied back, covered by a cap and a long veil, which hangs over her shoulders and behind her back. She holds a pair of gloves on her right hand.
On the center, the courtesan wears a gown with fabric waistband and brocaded petticoat with scrolling leaves, short ruff collar, and with a medallion hanging from the point of the bodice. She wears large pendant earrings and a necklace, and a bundle of small flowers decorates the cleavage of her dress. She wears a veil on her head and shoulders.
On the right, the old woman wears a long dress with train under a long cloak with wide sleeves and a veil covering her head. She holds a rosary in her hands.
