Women's Fashions of the 17th Century

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Drawing 1

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

Drawings by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England, recording a contemporary view of the costume of women. Wenceslaus Hollar who published over two thousand drawings, was a 17th century engraver who was born in Prague, and spent most of his career in England.

Because these drawings were done from life subjects, they are quite valuable as resources for researching the clothing that women wore in the 17th century. There are few such resources available for any other time before the 19th century, when women's magazines began to feature drawings of fashions and when pattern books were published with many illustrations of contemporary costume.

Later images in the set show the rising trend in England towards Puritanism, which included a simplicity in dress, headgear including simple caps or large hats as head coverings, and dark colors in dresses accompanied by white collars and aprons. As Calthrop points out in accompanying text about this period of costume, the "frippery" is gone, or at least reduced.

These illustrations were adapted from copies reprinted in English Costume: Tudor and Stuart by Dion Clayton Calthrop, London, 1906. Calthrop's only comment on these illustrations was this:

"These excellent drawings by Hollar need no explanation. They are included in this book because of their great value as accurate contemporary drawings of costume."

Calthrop obviously thought that readers would be familiar with Hollar's work.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

02
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Drawing 2

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

03
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Drawing 3

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

04
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Drawing 4

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

05
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Drawing 5

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

06
of 32

Drawing 6

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

07
of 32

Drawing 7

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

08
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Drawing 8

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

09
of 32

Drawing 9

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

10
of 32

Drawing 10

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

11
of 32

Drawing 11

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

12
of 32

Drawing 12

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

13
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Drawing 13

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

14
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Drawing 14

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

15
of 32

Drawing 15

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

16
of 32

Drawing 16

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

17
of 32

Drawing 17

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

18
of 32

Drawing 18

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

19
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Drawing 19

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

20
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Drawing 20

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

21
of 32

Drawing 21

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

22
of 32

Drawing 22

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

23
of 32

Drawing 23

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

24
of 32

Drawing 24

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

25
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Drawing 25 - Merchant's Daughter

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Merchant's Daughter" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

26
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Drawing 26 - Merchant's Wife of London

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Merchant's Wife of London" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

27
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Drawing 27 - Citizen's Wife

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Citizen's Wife" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

28
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Drawing 28 - Country Woman

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Country Woman" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

29
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Drawing 29 - English Gentle Woman

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"English Gentle Woman" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

30
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Drawing 30 - Noble Gentlewoman of England

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Noble Gentlewoman of England" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

31
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Drawing 31 - Lady of the Court of England

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"Lady of the Court of England" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

32
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Drawing 32 - An English Lady of Quality

Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, women's 17th century fashion history
Women's Fashions of the 17th Century - Hollar Engravings Drawing by Wenceslaus Hollar, circa 1645, illustrating women's fashion history, 17th century, from life subjects. Digital image © 2003 Jone Johnson Lewis. Licensed to About.com.

"An English Lady of Quality" - In the mid-17th century, Wenceslaus Hollar published this series of engravings depicting the costume of women in England.

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Your Citation
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Women's Fashions of the 17th Century." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/womens-fashions-of-the-17th-century-4123257. Lewis, Jone Johnson. (2020, August 26). Women's Fashions of the 17th Century. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/womens-fashions-of-the-17th-century-4123257 Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Women's Fashions of the 17th Century." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/womens-fashions-of-the-17th-century-4123257 (accessed March 19, 2024).