Le Follet Courrier des Salons, 1835, No. 409: Toque en tulle Sylph (...) 1835

This fashion plate, published in Paris in 1835, was made with a combination of etching and engraving, then delicately hand-colored. It depicts the latest styles in women’s dress of the period. Consider the labor involved. First, the skilled artisan who carefully cut the design into a metal plate. Then, the printer who produced numerous impressions. Finally, the colorist, likely a woman, who applied the hues with great precision. The final object was a product of collective labor and specialized skills. The image itself speaks to the rise of consumer culture. These plates were not just about aesthetics, but also about commerce. By showcasing the latest fashions, they fueled desire and encouraged consumption, reflecting a society increasingly shaped by the circulation of goods and images. It is a valuable document of its time, inviting us to consider the social and economic forces at play in the world of fashion.