Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, September 1808, No. 56: Marmotte nouée sur le côté... 1808

This is an engraving from September 1808 by an anonymous artist, created for the journal "Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames," which translates to "Elegantia, a journal of fashion, luxury, and taste for women". At a glance, this image presents a vision of feminine grace and refinement but when viewed through a wider lens it’s clear that the image reflects not just fashion, but also the socio-economic hierarchies of the early 19th century. This fashion plate offers insights into the restricted roles of women during the Napoleonic era, where appearance was a key aspect of social identity. The delicate fabrics and meticulous details speak to the privilege and leisure afforded to a certain class of women, while also hinting at the labor and resources required to maintain such standards of elegance. What stories do the clothes tell us; of the women portrayed in them and the artist depicting them?