Fashion and Elegance: French Fashions of the 1720s 1725
francoisoctavien
pencil drawn
light pencil work
pencil sketch
old engraving style
personal sketchbook
idea generation sketch
ink drawing experimentation
pen-ink sketch
sketchbook drawing
pencil work
François Octavien's etching "Fashion and Elegance: French Fashions of the 1720s" from 1725 depicts a gentleman in the height of fashionable attire. The gentleman is standing in a landscape setting with a cane and a hat in his hand. The intricate details of the clothing, including the elaborate lace and the powdered wig, are highlighted by the delicate lines of the etching. This artwork provides a glimpse into the world of fashion in the 18th century and serves as a testament to the skill of the artist, François Octavien.
Comments
During the early 18th century small series of costume plates reported on the fashion of the day. Women wore the loose-fitting robe volante, also called a ‘sack-backed gown’ in English, over which women sometimes added a short, hooded cloak known as a bagnolette. Men dressed in long coats over a waistcoat and knee-breeches. Pig-tail wigs were adorned with large bows, and tricorne hats were tucked under the arm rather than worn on the head. The two large prints from around 1760 show Parisians out for a stroll. Curiously, the women wear wide paniers (hoop skirts) for their promenade on the ramparts. In the caption underneath, they are condemned as silly slaves of fashion who blindly follow the dictates of the latest trends.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
