Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1776, E 26 : Bonnet au fichu (...) 1776

This print from 1776, made in France, shows a range of fashionable hairstyles and headwear of the time. Here, we see the elaborate styles of the French aristocracy, a culture of luxury that was both celebrated and criticized. Consider the social conditions in which such extravagance could flourish. These images circulated at a time when the gap between the rich and poor was widening, and the French monarchy was increasingly out of touch with the needs of its people. The towering wigs adorned with feathers, ribbons, and lace, served as potent symbols of privilege and excess. The print was produced and distributed commercially to a growing consumer market. To truly understand these images, we delve into sources like fashion journals, personal letters, and financial records. By looking at the art in its social and institutional context, we can gain a better understanding of its meaning and significance.