Plate I from Cabinet des Modes 15 - 1786

A.B. Duhamel created Plate I from *Cabinet des Modes* with etching and engraving techniques. Notice how the figure is presented in profile, emphasizing the towering hat adorned with feathers and ribbons. Duhamel’s approach invites us to consider the semiotics of fashion, where each element functions as a signifier. The hat is a clear marker of status, its exaggerated size and ornamentation conveying luxury and extravagance. Consider also the textures, from the soft rendering of the veil to the precise dots on the dress. These details aren't merely decorative; they engage with contemporary ideas about identity, social roles, and the theatricality of public life. The figure's pose and the meticulous detailing of her attire suggest an interest in how clothing can both reveal and conceal aspects of the self. Plate I, therefore, encourages us to think about how visual representations not only reflect but also actively shape our understanding of culture.