Modeles de coiffures 

Editor: This is "Modeles de coiffures," a print by Jean François Janinet. I'm immediately struck by how these hairstyles, presented like specimens, seem to convey so much about the social status and constructed identity of women in that era. What social narratives do you think this work speaks to? Curator: That’s a great starting point. I see this print as a window into the complex social and political landscape of 18th-century France. Each elaborate hairstyle isn’t just a fashion statement, but a symbol of power, wealth, and adherence to rigid social codes. How do you think these hairstyles might have shaped the lived experiences of women at the time? Editor: It’s wild to think about the effort, time, and even discomfort involved in maintaining these looks. It must have been a very performative aspect of their lives, and restrictive at the same time. Do you see an element of satire or social critique embedded in this image, perhaps a commentary on the excesses of the aristocracy? Curator: Absolutely. While ostensibly documenting fashionable trends, Janinet's work subtly critiques the absurdity and artifice of the elite. These towering hairstyles, often adorned with jewels and feathers, separated women from practicality, literally elevating them above the common populace. Can we view this through a contemporary lens as an early form of social commentary on the pressures placed on women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards? Editor: Definitely. And even today, we see echoes of these kinds of pressures, though they manifest differently through various media platforms. It’s a really interesting connection to make. Curator: Precisely! Janinet’s "Modeles de coiffures" prompts us to consider how identity is constructed, displayed, and consumed across centuries. Hopefully this piece encourages critical reflection. Editor: This was so informative. I will never look at old portraits in the same way again!