Petit Courrier des Dames, ca. 1823, No. 198 : Chapeau de velours plein (...) c. 1823

This fashion plate, part of the *Petit Courrier des Dames* series, depicts a woman in a fashionable dress and hat from circa 1823. The engraving shows a woman seated on a sofa, showcasing a gray merino wool dress with a velvet trim, and a black velvet hat with a red ribbon. This print, from the Rue Meslée shop in Paris, offers a glimpse into the sartorial trends of the early 19th century, specifically the popularity of velvet hats and richly-textured fabrics. Fashion plates like this were valuable tools for disseminating fashion trends, providing both visual inspiration and detailed descriptions of the garments. *Petit Courrier des Dames* is a popular source for historical fashion research.