Verschillende dameskapsels en hoofddeksels 1779

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print titled ‘Verschillende dameskapsels en hoofddeksels’ - or ‘Different Ladies Hairstyles and Headgear’ - sometime in the late 18th century. It’s a delicate etching on paper now held in the Rijksmuseum. Chodowiecki was a German artist active in Berlin. His prints offer a fascinating glimpse into the fashion and social customs of the late Enlightenment. The elaborate hairstyles and headwear on display here were worn by upper-class women in Europe and reflect the importance of outward appearance and social status. These hairstyles, often extravagant and towering, were status symbols that required hours of attention from hairdressers and the use of various accessories like wigs, feathers, and ribbons. Prints like this one circulated widely, helping to disseminate fashion trends across different social circles. To understand Chodowiecki’s work fully, we can consult fashion plates, conduct social histories, and examine museum collections to piece together the cultural narratives embedded in these images.