Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (633) Négligé 1805

This is Horace Vernet's ‘Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805’. It’s a print from a journal, showcasing Parisian fashion. The image presents an interesting perspective on the social structures of early 19th-century France. Journals like these played a crucial role in dictating trends, reinforcing class distinctions through the promotion of luxury goods. Vernet’s print, with its detailed rendering of clothing and accessories, provides insight into the visual codes of wealth and status. Fashion was far from frivolous. It reflected the complex interplay of economics, politics, and culture. The 'Négligé', or negligee, was a dressing gown that became fashionable during this period. Although it was first intended for intimate settings, women started wearing them in public as a symbol of wealth and status. By studying such images and the journals they appeared in, we can gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape of the time. Such journals provide valuable information about the social and institutional contexts that shaped artistic production and consumption.