Petit Courrier des Dames, 1828, No. 580 : Robe d'Organdi (...) 1828

This is an anonymous fashion plate from 1828, titled "Petit Courrier des Dames," printed using engraving and etching with delicate hand coloring. The plate is dominated by two female figures showcasing the latest Parisian fashion. Note the emphasis on vertical lines in the dresses, which elongate the figures, creating an impression of elegance and height. The color palette is muted, with pastels and soft hues, reinforcing the delicacy and refinement of the garments. The artist subtly destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing more on the attire than the individual, reducing the women to mannequins. It subtly critiques the objectification inherent in the fashion industry and the potential dehumanization of individuals reduced to mere displays of consumer goods. This plate functions as a semiotic device, with each element—dress, hat, even posture—acting as a signifier of status, taste, and adherence to contemporary cultural codes.