Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, November 1809, No. 93: Chapeau de Velours épinglé... 1809

This print, made in 1809, presents a fashion plate from Elegantia, showcasing the attire of a woman of the time, complete with a velvet hat and Levantine-style gown. Dominating the dress's design are the oval motifs running vertically down the front. These shapes, reminiscent of stylized laurel wreaths, point back to classical antiquity, symbols of triumph and status. You see, these oval shapes can be traced back to ancient Roman art, decorating the garments of emperors and victorious generals. Fast forward to the 19th century, and these motifs, while softened and made more decorative, still whisper of power and sophistication. Consider how such symbols evolve. What was once a marker of military and political might has been absorbed into the language of fashion, now signifying social prestige and refined taste. The reappearance of the ovals speaks to our human need to connect with past greatness, subconsciously weaving these echoes of history into our present aspirations. And in that act of transformation lies the magic of images, connecting us across time.