Townsend's Monthly Selection of Parisian Costumes, 1840, No. 851 : Chapeaux en paille de riz (...) 1840

This 1840 fashion plate from the Townsend's Monthly Selection of Parisian Costumes series showcases various styles of bonnets and dresses popular in 19th-century France. The hand-colored lithograph features six distinct outfits with elaborate details including lace, ribbons, and floral embellishments. The plate exemplifies the fashion trends of the era, offering a glimpse into the elegant attire worn by women of the time. It showcases the popularity of rice straw hats, which were lightweight and fashionable, as well as the emphasis on intricate detailing and elaborate silhouettes in women's clothing.