Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden dressed as a Tartar

In the 18th century, the aristocracy often celebrated fancy-dress parties and masquerades at their courts; the culture behind the costumes was usually secondary, the focus being on the exotic appearance and the associated escape from the strict labels of everyday life. Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden (1675–1733), shown here in the garb of a Tartar, for example, owned a variety of costumes, including peasant costumes or mythologically inspired disguises. 

Margravine Sybilla Augusta of Baden dressed as a tartar, portrait, 1690–1707, artist: Ludwig Ivenet (ascribed); source: © Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Favorite Rastatt Palace, inv. no. G 2567, photographer: Adi Bachinger.