La Mode, 27 mai 1837, Pl. 558, Nr. 68 : Chale de Câchemire des Indes (...) 1837

Jean-Denis Nargeot created this fashion plate in 1837 using engraving and hand-coloring. It depicts a woman adorned in the latest styles, showcasing a dress of fine muslin, a straw hat, and most notably, a cashmere shawl from India. The shawl’s presence speaks volumes about global trade in this period. Cashmere was a luxury item, its production steeped in skilled labor, and its value enhanced by its exotic origin. The engraving captures the shawl's intricate patterns and soft drape, yet flattens the immense labor that went into its making. While the woman embodies elegance, the plate obscures the complex economic and social structures that bring her shawl into being. Looking closely, we can see Nargeot's attention to detail in rendering the textures of fabric and accessories. Fashion plates like this were critical in shaping consumer desires and promoting the expansion of global markets. Approaching this print through the lens of materiality reminds us that even seemingly lighthearted images are deeply entwined with issues of labor, politics, and consumption.