La Mode, 1836 : Rédingote en gros de naples écru (...) 1836

Georges Jacques Gatine’s print, "La Mode," created in 1836, depicts fashionable garments rendered in écru gros de Naples and mousseline. The print itself is an example of early mass media, an efficient method for disseminating style trends. The appeal of the image lies in the precise rendering of textiles and the skillful use of line to convey the draping and gathering of fabric. Observe how the artist indicates the texture and weight of the materials, from the crispness of the ecru gros de Naples to the lightness of the mousseline. This was achieved through the printmaking process, using engraved lines to mimic the play of light and shadow on the fabric. This image provides insight into the burgeoning fashion industry of the 19th century, where clothing was becoming increasingly available to a wider segment of the population. Consider this image as an artifact of consumer culture, reflecting both the artistry of the garment makers and the social dynamics of the time.