Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (626) Grande Parure. 1805

This is a print by Horace Vernet, made in Paris in 1805. The printmaking process allowed for the broad dissemination of images like this, which were intended to inform women of the latest fashions. Here we see a woman in an elegant white dress with a green shawl, part of a fashion plate series called "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien." Look closely, and you will notice the delicate lines and subtle shading of the etching, enhanced with hand-applied color. This labor-intensive method speaks volumes about the values of the time. The production of fashion plates relied on specialized skills. Artists, engravers, and colorists collaborated to capture the intricate details of clothing and accessories. The image reflects a world of luxury and refinement, where fashion was both an art form and a marker of social status. The very labor that went into its making speaks of the hierarchy it represents. So, next time you see an image, think about the processes and materials that brought it into being, and how these choices contribute to its deeper meaning.