Journal des Dames et des Modes, editie Frankfurt 15 Février 1808, Costume Parisien (7) 1808

This is a print from the "Journal des Dames et des Modes," published in Frankfurt on February 15, 1808, and created by J. Neubauer. It depicts Parisian fashion during the early 19th century, showcasing the empire silhouette and the era's obsession with classical antiquity. Fashion was more than just fabric during this period; it was a potent marker of social status and cultural identity. These images, intended for an aristocratic and upper-middle-class female audience, offered a glimpse into the latest trends in post-revolutionary France. The neo-classical dresses, with their high waistlines and light fabrics, represented a departure from the ornate styles of the ancien régime, yet still enforced boundaries of class and aspiration. While these prints appear to celebrate female beauty and elegance, we can see how they also reinforced societal expectations and gender roles, defining women through their appearance and adherence to fashionable ideals. This image offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of aesthetics, identity, and social politics in early 19th-century European culture.