Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1779, V 124 : Robe à la Levit (...) 1779

This print by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, dating from 1779, captures a moment in French fashion with delicate lines and soft coloration. The composition focuses on a standing woman, her silhouette defined by the flowing lines of her "Robe à la Lévite". Notice how the artist uses colour to create depth and texture. The green of the dress, accented with a lavender sash and white lace trim, provides a visual harmony that is both pleasing and indicative of the period's aesthetic values. Le Beau employs line not just to outline the figure but to suggest movement, particularly in the draping of the fabrics and the elaborate headdress. The print operates as a sign system, encoding messages about status, taste, and cultural ideals. The subject's erect posture and pointed finger suggest both authority and engagement with her surroundings, inviting us to consider the social and intellectual world she inhabits. This artwork isn't merely a depiction of clothing; it's a complex interplay of line, color, and form, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns about representation and social identity.