About this sheet
A refined and elegant 18th-century costume print depicting a Greek lady of Pera (modern-day Beyoğlu, Istanbul), rendered with delicate hand coloring and a keen eye for textile detail. Published in London in 1749 by the prominent English cartographer and publisher Thomas Jefferys, this engraving forms part of a wider ethnographic series illustrating global dress, national costumes, and cultural identity during the height of European fascination with the Ottoman Empire, Turkey, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The figure is shown standing in a composed and dignified pose, dressed in a richly layered traditional costume combining a deep blue overdress with finely patterned sleeves in warm red and gold tones. Her attire is completed with a decorative headdress and jewelry, reflecting both local Greek traditions and the cosmopolitan influences of Pera, a district known for its diverse population, Levantine culture, and role as a diplomatic and commercial hub within Ottoman Istanbul. The subtle shading, elegant engraving lines, and careful application of original hand color give the figure a graceful presence, while the generous margins and clean composition enhance its decorative appeal for collectors and interior designers alike.
Thomas Jefferys was one of the leading mapmakers, engravers, and publishers in mid-18th-century London, known for producing high-quality atlases, maps, and prints that combined scientific accuracy with artistic refinement. His costume engravings, though less commonly encountered than his cartographic works, are increasingly valued for their ethnographic significance, historical documentation of dress, and visual charm. This example offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century-inspired attire as interpreted in the 18th century, bridging historical imagination with contemporary European interest in the Ottoman world.
Keywords: antique print, costume print, Greek costume, Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Istanbul, Pera, Beyoğlu, ethnographic print, 18th century engraving, hand colored engraving, Thomas Jefferys, London publisher, historical dress, traditional clothing, Eastern Mediterranean, Levant, cultural dress, European engraving, decorative print, wall decoration, interior design art, collector’s print, original antique artwork.
With its balanced composition, elegant figure study, and soft yet vibrant palette, this print lends itself beautifully to interior display—particularly in refined, classical, Mediterranean, Ottoman-inspired, or globally curated interiors. It works equally well as a standalone piece or as part of a gallery wall featuring costume prints, portraits, or travel imagery.
Condition report:
Good condition. General age-related toning to the paper. Minor scattered foxing. Light edge wear. Plate mark visible. Overall clean impression with strong original hand coloring. Please study image carefully.
Framing tips:
Highly suitable for a museum-style presentation with a wide ivory or off-white mat and a thin gilt, ebonized, or dark walnut frame. This enhances the delicate tones and gives the piece a refined, timeless presence. Also works very well in a symmetrical arrangement with other costume prints for a high-end gallery wall effect.
This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Engraving with original hand color
Maker: Thomas Jefferys, London, 1749
