Man gekleed volgens de Franse mode van 1696 1696

Bernard Picart created this print of a man dressed in the French fashion of 1696. It serves as a fascinating window into the sartorial codes of the late 17th century in France. The image meticulously details the attire of a fashionable gentleman. From his elaborate wig and tricorne hat to his justaucorps coat, waistcoat, and stockings, each element speaks volumes about social status. The sword, in particular, was an important symbol of nobility and access to the royal court. This print offers insight into the cultural values and hierarchies of Louis XIV’s France. The emphasis on luxury, refinement, and adherence to courtly etiquette reflects the power of the monarchy and the aspirational desires of the bourgeoisie. Fashion prints like these played a key role in disseminating these ideals. By studying fashion plates, memoirs, and other period documents, we gain a deeper understanding of how clothing shaped identity and reinforced social norms in 17th-century France. Art then becomes a lens through which to examine the dynamics of power, taste, and social mobility.