Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1787, qqq 368 : Petit Maîtresse du Palais-Royal (...) 1787

Pierre Charles Baquoy created this print as part of the "Gallery of Fashion and French Costumes" in 1787. It captures a moment during the reign of Louis XVI, when fashion became a potent symbol of social identity and status. The print depicts a woman, referred to as "Petite Maîtresse du Palais Royal," showcasing an extravagant "Robe à la Musulmane." This was a style influenced by Ottoman and Middle Eastern fashion. The high hairstyle, elaborate lace, and rich fabrics signal the wearer's elevated social standing. However, the term "Petite Maîtresse" also hints at the woman's potential role as a king's mistress. This artwork invites us to consider the complex intersections of gender, class, and cultural appropriation in 18th-century France. While the woman embodies the height of French fashion, her attire reflects the contemporary fascination with exoticism and the appropriation of foreign cultures. It also points to the limited roles available to women, where status was often tied to their relationships with powerful men. The print serves as a poignant reminder of the social dynamics that shaped women's lives.