Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1780, dd 163 : Habit en Lévit (...) 1780

Nicolas Dupin created this print, ‘Habit en Lévite’, in 1780, capturing French fashion through detailed lines and color. The tassels adorning the dress are more than mere decoration. They evoke a sense of opulence and status, reflective of the era's aristocratic tastes. These dangling ornaments resonate with similar motifs found in ancient Minoan frescoes, where saffron gatherers are depicted with tasseled garments, signifying their valued role. Much later, we see them adorning religious vestments and royal attire. The very act of hanging these embellishments speaks to a human desire to denote importance through visual display. Consider how the tassel has persisted through time, shifting from symbol of religious devotion, or social standing. The cyclical recurrence of such motifs reveals an underlying psychological need to mark status, memory, and belonging. This potent combination of symbolism continues to engage us, resonating deep within our collective consciousness.