Petit Courrier des Dames, 1832, No. 888 : Chapeau en crêp (...) 1832

This fashion plate, titled ‘Petit Courrier des Dames’, was made in Paris in 1832. It's a lithograph, a printmaking process where an image is drawn on stone and then transferred to paper. This technique allowed for mass production of images, making fashion trends accessible to a wider audience. The print showcases the latest styles, focusing on the cut and materials of women's clothing. The textures of crepe, batiste, and other fabrics are carefully rendered through line and color. Note the emphasis on the silhouette, achieved through careful tailoring. These dresses are not just about aesthetics; they represent a significant amount of labor, from textile production to the skilled work of dressmakers and milliners. While fashion plates might seem frivolous, they reflect a complex system of production, consumption, and social status. Appreciating the artistry and labor involved challenges the traditional hierarchy that often separates art from craft.