La Mode, 1830, Pl. 30 : No.1. Robe de gaze ciseau (...) 1830

This is a print titled ‘La Mode’, made in 1830 in France, depicting two women's fashion. The print provides insight into the social and cultural values of the time, particularly regarding gender and class. Fashion plates like this one were a product of a rapidly changing society. The industrial revolution led to increased wealth and a growing middle class, who desired to emulate the fashions of the aristocracy. The image reflects the emphasis on elegance and refinement in women's fashion. The elaborate dresses, with their focus on ornamentation, reveal the importance of outward appearance in demonstrating social status and respectability. By studying fashion plates, alongside other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and economic forces that shaped everyday life in 19th-century France. These seemingly superficial images offer valuable clues about the values, aspirations, and anxieties of a society in transition.