Habitus Lusitanorum Peculiaris, from Fashions of Different Nations

Art Historical Context

"Habitus Lusitanorum Peculiaris" (The Peculiar Dress of the Portuguese), from the series *Fashions of Nations*, is a delightful 17th-century engraving capturing the distinctive attire of Portuguese men and women. Created by Flemish artist Sebastiaen Vrancx, likely as the designer, and masterfully engraved by Pieter de Jode I, this print exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Northern European printmaking. Measuring just 8⅞ × 6 inches, its intimate scale invites close inspection of the intricate details in clothing, postures, and accessories that define "Lusitanian" style. As a first-state impression—one of only two versions—this rare engraving preserves the original lines before any corrections, offering a pristine glimpse into early modern artistry. Produced around the early 1600s amid Europe's fascination with global cultures, such costume series educated viewers on national dress, blending ethnography with entertainment. Vrancx's genre scenes and de Jode's precise burin work highlight the technical prowess of Flemish engraving, where fine lines convey texture and volume with remarkable clarity. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this gift from Isaiah and Lola B. Gellman underscores the enduring appeal of these prints. They not only document fashion but also reflect a curious era of cross-cultural exchange, making "Habitus Lusitanorum Peculiaris" a charming window into Portugal's "peculiar" habits as seen through Northern eyes.