Petit Courrier des Dames, 10 août 1829, No.65 / 658 : Capote de Paille de riz... 1829

This is an anonymous fashion plate titled "Petit Courrier des Dames" from 1829, crafted as an etching and part of a series illustrating Parisian fashion. Printed during a period of significant social change in France, these images offer insight into the visual culture of the time, dictating styles and trends for women. The emphasis on elaborate hats speaks volumes about the era's focus on outward appearances and the construction of feminine identity through fashion. These hats, adorned with ribbons and flowers, embody ideals of beauty and status. Consider how such images reinforced class distinctions and gender roles. Fashion plates like these dictated what was considered desirable, shaping not only wardrobes but also perceptions of women’s value in society.