Nobilis Virgo Francica

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 three French damsels. The first, on the left, wears a dress with ruff collar and long, striped, slit sleeves over long puff sleeves, trimmed with two rows of bows on the shoulders, and with a jeweled belt adorning the edge of the bodice. She wears a large headdress with feathers and a jeweled brooch, pendant earrings, and a layered chain necklace with jeweled rosettes and pendant pearls. She holds a pair of gloves on her left hand.

The second damsel, on the center, wears a long dress with open ruff collar and long, wide sleeves with an embellished pattern with lozenges made up of shuttle shapes, trimmed with two rows of bows on the shoulders. The edge of the bodice is marked by a chain belt, and a necklace with pearl pendants adorns her chest. Her hair is tied back and partially covered with a veil.

The third damsel, on the right, wears a dress with ruff collar and netted partlet, long, wide sleeves embellished with pearls, and trimmed with bows on the shoulders. A strip of jeweled shuttle shapes and pearls decorates the bodice and marks the bustline. Her hair is tied up and held by a bicorn hat with a piece of fabric hanging on the back of her head and neck.