Paris Élégant, 5 mars 1839 : Robe Tunique en Crep (...) 1839

This is an engraving, made by August Delvaux on March 5, 1839, illustrating two women in fashionable dresses. The work strikes you with its delicate lines and gentle colouring. It conveys a sense of early 19th-century Parisian elegance. Note the careful attention to detail in the dresses – the ruffles, the floral embellishments, and the way the fabric drapes, all rendered with precision. Delvaux captures not only the aesthetics of the garments but also the social codes they represent. The women are positioned in a domestic setting, framed by architectural elements that suggest wealth and refinement. Consider the semiotic elements at play. The clothing, accessories, and even the women's postures communicate messages about status, taste, and femininity. The dresses themselves are like texts, revealing much about the values and aspirations of their wearers. Delvaux’s work highlights the cultural and symbolic meanings embedded in fashion.