Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, December 1807, No. 29: 1. Cache-folie vu sous trois aspects... 1807

This is a print from December 1807 titled "Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames" which translates to "Elegantia, a journal of fashion, luxury and taste for women." It features a collection of women's hats, rendered in delicate lines and soft colors. Fashion plates such as these provide a window into the gendered expectations of the early 19th century. These weren't just about clothing; they were about constructing a particular vision of womanhood, tied to ideals of beauty, refinement, and domesticity. Consider the painstaking detail in each hat, the emphasis on ornamentation, and the way these accessories framed the face and body. The artist remains anonymous, which is not surprising. It's a reminder of how much labor in the fashion industry has historically been invisible, particularly the work of women. Look closely at the fabrics, the trimmings, and the shapes. Can you imagine the women who wore these hats, the social rituals they participated in, and the stories their clothing told?