Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Augustus 1807, No. 18 : Ceinture en Corset échancré. 1807

This fashion plate, published in August 1807, presents a meticulously crafted image made through etching and engraving. The print would have been painstakingly colored by hand. Consider the labor involved in creating this image, the multiple stages of production necessary, and the coordination of artisanal skills. We can also imagine the labor involved in the manufacturing of the items depicted, particularly the white empire-line dress, and the green shawl, which features a delicate floral pattern and fringed edge. The crisp lines and subtle tonal variations that define the figure, suggest the skill of the printmaker. Fashion plates like this one played a crucial role in disseminating style trends, and fueling the burgeoning textile industry of the early 19th century. This image provides a window into the world of fashion and commerce, reminding us that even seemingly simple prints can reveal complex networks of production, consumption, and cultural exchange.