Journal des Dames et des modes 1805

This is an engraving from Journal des Dames et des modes, made by Pierre Charles Baquoy, in the late 18th or early 19th century. It is an example of what we might call ‘fashion plates’ – images circulated to communicate the latest trends. Look closely, and you'll see the material reality it represents: expensive textiles. The man’s ensemble, including his coat, breeches, boots, and even the umbrella, speaks to the labor involved in producing these goods. Consider the skilled tailors, weavers, and leatherworkers who contributed to such garments. Each stitch, each dye, represents human effort. Fashion plates were a critical engine of burgeoning capitalism, fueling consumption and desire. They raise questions about the relationship between art, commerce, and class. This engraving isn’t just a pretty picture; it’s a document of a world being made. By understanding the materials, processes, and social context of its creation, we come to a richer understanding of its meaning, challenging the traditional separation of high art and craft.