Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1781, mm 208 : Les Enfants de Mgr.le Comte d'Artois (...) 1781

Nicolas Dupin created this print in 1781 titled, *Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1781, mm 208 : Les Enfants de Mgr.le Comte d'Artois (...)* using etching techniques. The composition strikes a balance between formal portraiture and informal domesticity. Dupin uses line and color to define the figures and their elaborate costumes. Notice how the soft pastel hues and delicate linework create a sense of refinement and elegance, typical of the Rococo period. The figures are arranged in a pyramidal structure, drawing the eye upward, yet their interactions suggest a candid moment. Consider the semiotic implications of the clothing. Each frill, ribbon, and powdered wig signifies social status and adherence to courtly fashion. This print can be interpreted as a commentary on the performance of identity and the semiotics of aristocratic life. It's a visual encoding of social norms, class distinctions, and the aesthetic values that defined the era.