Petit Courrier des Dames, 25 juin 1827, No. 480 : Redingotte croisante, à revers flottans,... 1827

This fashion plate was made anonymously in Paris, France, in 1827, and published in the journal, 'Petit Courrier des Dames'. The journal’s title translates to ‘The Little Ladies’ Courier,’ which suggests its intended audience. This context is crucial. We can interpret the image not just as a depiction of clothing but as a social script, defining appropriate attire for bourgeois men. The figure’s clothing signifies wealth, leisure, and taste, broadcasting his conformity to social norms. Even the setting, the Boulevard des Italiens near the Opera, points to specific social spaces and performances of class identity. This image is less about individual expression and more about the social codes that defined Parisian society. Fashion plates like these are invaluable historical resources. They offer insights into the social, economic, and cultural values of their time. Only through close attention to these factors can we understand the historical meaning of this image.