Suite consacrée aux élégantes et petits maîtres, 1778-1785, (13) : M.lle des Faveurs aux Thuilleries (...) 1778 - 1785

This print of Mademoiselle des Faveurs, made anonymously between 1778 and 1785, captures a striking figure with its delicate lines and pastel washes. The composition directs our gaze upward, emphasizing the elaborate coiffure and the theatrical presentation of the subject. The figure dominates the space, framed by the gentle tints of blue and pink that adorn her dress. The print's design reveals the formal artifice of the late 18th century. Notice how the artist plays with scale and proportion to create a sense of drama. The towering wig, festooned with flowers and feathers, becomes a focal point, a signifier of status and fashion. The carefully constructed silhouette, with its emphasis on the conical shape of the skirt, reflects a society preoccupied with spectacle and display. Look closely at the accoutrements she carries – the walking stick and the grotesque mask – these are cultural symbols. They serve to destabilize our understanding of beauty, power, and representation. The print’s success lies in its capacity to capture and critique the visual language of its time, prompting us to reflect on the shifting meanings of identity and artifice.