Friday Ephemera #8

I thought for today's photo I'd diverge into an interest of mine that I've never really discussed here. I love researching the history of fashion in clothing, and sometimes recreating the clothing--to date I've made a gown and underclothes from about 1800 and a jacket and skirt outfit from about 1600, but I've also been planning a 1580s English gown since last summer. This is a portrait of an Italian girl from the late 16th century, the artist of which is unknown. I hadn't actually seen this particular painting before today, and now I really kind of want to recreate it. And look! She's holding a book.