Humanities › History & Culture Women's Fashions of the 17th Century Share Flipboard Email Print History & Culture Women's History History Of Feminism Important Figures Key Events Women's Suffrage Women & War Laws & Womens Rights Feminist Texts American History African American History African History Ancient History and Culture Asian History European History Genealogy Inventions Latin American History Medieval & Renaissance History Military History The 20th Century View More By Jone Johnson Lewis Jone Johnson Lewis Women's History Writer B.A., Mundelein College M.Div., Meadville/Lombard Theological School Jone Johnson Lewis is a women's history writer who has been involved with the women's movement since the late 1960s. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 06, 2017 01 of 32 Drawing 1 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 of 32 Drawing 2 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 of 32 Drawing 3 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 of 32 Drawing 4 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 of 32 Drawing 5 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 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 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 of 32 Drawing 8 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 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 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 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 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 of 32 Drawing 13 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 of 32 Drawing 14 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 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 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 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 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 of 32 Drawing 19 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 of 32 Drawing 20 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 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 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 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 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 of 32 Drawing 25 - Merchant's Daughter 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 of 32 Drawing 26 - Merchant's Wife of London 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 of 32 Drawing 27 - Citizen's Wife 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 of 32 Drawing 28 - Country Woman 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 of 32 Drawing 29 - English Gentle Woman 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 of 32 Drawing 30 - Noble Gentlewoman of England 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 of 32 Drawing 31 - Lady of the Court of England 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 of 32 Drawing 32 - An English Lady of Quality 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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago 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 June 3, 2023). copy citation