Incroyables et Merveilleuses, 1813, Merveilleuse, No. 15 : Cornette de Levantin (...) 1813

Georges Jacques Gatine made this print, "Incroyables et Merveilleuses, 1813, Merveilleuse, No. 15" in 1813. It's a hand-colored engraving, which means the image was etched into a metal plate, then printed and painted. The fashion depicted embodies post-revolution extravagance, with its emphasis on voluminous fabric, lace, and ornamentation. This aesthetic relies on specialized labor; from growing and weaving the cloth, to the intricate lace-making. Look closely at the layers of lace embellishing the dress. These details weren't just decorative; they were potent indicators of wealth and status. Each tiny stitch represents hours of labor, transforming simple thread into a status symbol. This is a direct reflection of the social and economic structures of the time. Considering these contexts helps us to see beyond the surface of fashion, revealing its deep connections to labor, politics, and consumption. It blurs the boundaries between fashion, craft, and art.