Femme de Marchand en des habillé d'esté

A print of a seated woman, entitled, 'Femme de Marchand en deshabillé d'Esté', and inscribed, 'Ce vend à Paris chez N Arnoult rue de la fromagerie à l'image St. Claude aux halles. Avec priv du Roy/ N. Arnoult fec. 1687.

The woman depicted is wearing what seems to be a French gown, characterized by a low-cut and tight bodice. Over her dress are an apron and a couple of accessories; a pocket watch and possibly an equipage (an ornamental clasp from which several small objects for household use could be suspended). Her head is dressed with a commode, a structure made from wires covered with silk. On her face are several patches, fake beauty marks that were made from fabric. The woman is a merchant, which is shown not only by the caption of the plate, but also by the bales in the background and the pen in her hand.

The print was made by Nicolas Arnoult (France, ca. 1671-1700). About 150 prints designed by him are known today.

Further reading
Colas, R., Bibliographie Générale du Costume et de la Mode. Description des suites, recueils, séries, revues et livres Français et étrangers relatifs au costume civil, militaire et religieux, aux modes, aux coiffures et aux divers accessoires de l’habillement, avec une table méthodique et un index alphabétique, Paris 1933, pp. 130-132; entry 379.

Cummins, G. E., and N.D. Taunton, Chatelaines. Utility to Glorious Extravagance, Aberdeen 1994.

Reynolds, A., In fine Style. The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion, London 2013.

Ribeiro, A., Fashion and Fiction. Dress in Art and Literature in Stuart England, London 2005.