Petit Courrier des Dames, 15 septembre 1828,, No. 582 : Canezou de Jaconnas... 1828

Editor: So, this is a page from "Petit Courrier des Dames" from 1828. It’s a watercolor illustration of women’s fashion, held at the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by the bows - everywhere! What is the significance of such adornment at the time? Curator: The abundance of bows, yes, quite noticeable. This isn't just decoration; it’s a language. Bows signified femininity, status, and even taste. Think about the meticulous arrangement, the choice of colours – each element would have been decoded within the social circles of the time. These bows reflect societal values. What messages were these women sending? Editor: I guess the message would be of elegance, maybe? Did it also indicate adherence to societal norms or did bows serve any rebellious purposes too? Curator: Elegance, definitely. Norms, in a way yes, though fashion is always a dance between conformity and expression. Note how the bows almost mimic the curves of classical sculpture and reference idealized forms. Can you spot echoes of ancient beauty ideals here? How did classical influences infiltrate everyday fashion choices? Editor: I see what you mean! The flowy silhouette does call back to ancient sculptures. It's intriguing how they used fashion to engage with cultural heritage. And I guess fashion and the role of women must have shifted not long after, considering the impact of photography which allowed fashion to travel across greater distances. Curator: Precisely! Visual culture changes as symbols find new meanings, sometimes losing their power, other times finding renewed significance through mass production. Editor: This has definitely made me see this seemingly simple fashion plate with completely fresh eyes, full of cultural information about femininity in that period! Curator: Agreed. A reminder that even the most delicate adornments can speak volumes.