Twee dames met fontangekapsel 1695 - 1711

This engraving, by an anonymous artist, depicts two women sporting fashionable fontange hairstyles. Made around 1700, most likely in France, it offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the era and reveals the intricate relationship between fashion, social status, and artistic representation. The towering fontanges, adorned with ribbons and lace, were status symbols among the French aristocracy. Their popularity coincided with the reign of Louis XIV, whose court at Versailles set the standard for fashion and etiquette. Prints such as this one played a crucial role in disseminating these trends, contributing to the rise of a fashion industry catering to elite consumers. Engravings like this circulated widely and shaped perceptions of beauty, femininity, and social class. To fully appreciate its significance, we need to look at fashion plates, conduct archival research into the fashion industry, and consult social histories of the period.