Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Mei 1807, No. 10: Capote de Taffetas.Robe de Perkale. 1807

This print, made in May 1807 by an anonymous artist, showcases women's fashion of the time. The eye is drawn to a slender figure adorned in a high-waisted white dress, its vertical lines creating an elongated form. The dress, while simple in its overall shape, features intricate detailing at the hem and neckline, offering a glimpse into the era’s stylistic preferences. Structurally, the composition emphasizes the contrast between the smooth, flowing fabric of the dress and the more rigid, geometric lines of the background. Semiotically, the dress functions as a signifier of status and taste, reflecting the values of elegance and refinement. The artist's focus on form and line invites us to consider how clothing can construct identity and communicate social meanings. This print serves as a cultural artifact that destabilizes our expectations of fashion illustration, prompting us to examine its underlying structures and ideologies.