Petit Courrier des Dames, 20 septembre 1834, No.1095 : Chapeau en Pou de Soi (...) 1834

This fashion plate, "Petit Courrier des Dames," was created in 1834 using engraving and hand-coloring. The composition is structured around two figures, one standing and one seated, both adorned in elaborate dresses and headwear. The colour palette is soft, dominated by pastel shades of blue, green, and pink, which gives the scene an airy, ethereal quality. The artist pays particular attention to the textures and patterns of the fabrics. Notice the intricate lace detailing on the shawls and hemlines, as well as the puffed sleeves and wide skirts that define the silhouette of the time. These elements not only showcase the fashion of the era, but also reflect broader cultural values centered on ornamentation and display. The print functions as a signifier of status and taste, reflecting the semiotic codes that governed social life in 19th-century Paris. By capturing these visual details, the artwork challenges fixed meanings, allowing us to interpret the evolving dynamics of fashion and representation.