Petit Courrier des Dames 1823 (168) 1823

Jean-Charles-Michel Barreau made this print, “Petit Courrier des Dames,” in 1823. The print comes from a time when fashion was not just about clothing, but also about expressing social status and cultural values. We see two women, each embodying a specific style and role. The woman standing is adorned in an elaborate dress, complete with decorative ribbons and flowers. Her attire speaks to the wealth and status of the bourgeoisie, the middle class, and their increasing desire for luxury. The other woman, seated, may represent a different social sphere. The "Petit Courrier des Dames" translates to "The Little Ladies' Courier," and was a fashion magazine. The title itself suggests a world where women were both the consumers and subjects of fashion. Through their clothes they could express their identities and aspirations, but were also confined by societal expectations. In the end, this print shows how fashion, gender, and class are all intertwined, reflecting the complex social fabric of 19th-century Paris.