When this painting by Jan Sanders Van Hemessen arrived at Sotheby’s, specialists had trouble identifying the strangely dressed sitter. In this episode of The Costumist, Jonquil O’Reilly introduces court performer Elizabet and discusses her unusual garments and jewellery – clues that led to the discovery of her identity. This exceptional artwork soared past its estimate and sold for £2.16 million at Sotheby’s Old Masters sale in London on 5 July 2017.