Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Juli 1808, No. 50: 1. Capotes de Lingére... 1808

This is an engraving of a fashion plate from Elegantia, a magazine of fashion, luxury and taste for ladies, made in July 1808 by an anonymous artist. The composition is structured around a grid of delicate bonnet illustrations, each distinguished by subtle variations in line, color, and decorative detail. The artist’s restrained use of color, primarily pastels and muted tones, speaks to a formal elegance, while the intricate details of lace, ribbons, and embroidery highlight the materiality and craftsmanship of early 19th-century fashion. Semiologically, each bonnet functions as a signifier of social status, taste, and femininity. The arrangement of these elements within the frame creates a visual rhythm that reflects the period's emphasis on order and refinement. This framework, however, also hints at the nascent shifts in fashion and social norms, where personal expression starts to subtly challenge established conventions. These designs represent a moment of transition, capturing the interplay between tradition and emerging trends.