Faemina Mediolanensis, Matrona Mediolanensis, Virgo nobilis Bononiensis

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 Milanese bourgeoise woman, a Milanese woman, and a Bolognese damsel. On the left, the bourgeoise woman wears a full gown with two ribbons hanging from the point of the bodice, with long puff sleeves trimmed with ribbons on the shoulders, and high ruff neckline. Her hair is tied up, covered with a cap and a long, pleated veil with tassels on the corners.

On the center, the Milanese woman wears a mid-length mantle with wide sleeves, trimmed with bows on the shoulders, over a long dress with long puff sleeves and train in brocaded fabric with a floral pattern. The collar of the dress is made up of a high ruff. A strip of fabric holding a medallion pendant hangs on her chest. Her hair is curled and tied up with a cap and a long veil. Her left hand holds two gloves.

On the right, the Bolognese damsel wears a long gown with a ruff and long puff sleeves, trimmed with three rows of bows on the shoulders, from which hang two long pieces of striped fabric, tied together at the back of the skirt. The bodice has vertical stripes, and the skirt is lifted to reveal a brocaded and possibly embellished (?) petticoat with a pattern of lozenges and pearls. Her hair is tied up with interlacing braids, and decorated with strips of pearls and bows.