Homme de Qualité En robe de Chambre

A coloured print of a man entitled, 'Homme de Qualité/ En robe de Chambre', and inscribed, 'Se vend a Paris chez BEREY Graveur rue st. Jacques à la Princesse de Savoye. Avec Privilege du Roy'.

The man is wearing a dressing gown or, 'robe de chambre'. These loose gowns could be worn over shirt and breeches and were meant for informal occasions. During the first half of the seventeenth century they were mainly worn by elder men. During the second half of the century it became a fashionable and timeless garment that was associated with an intellectual life. The man is portrayed indoors, possibly in his study.

The print was sold and possibly engraved by Claude Auguste Berey (c. 1660 – 1730), a publisher and printmaker from France.

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