The Haberdasher Dandy 1817 - 1820

This print, "The Haberdasher Dandy," made by Charles Williams shows us the world of commerce in the 19th century. It's a relatively humble medium, printmaking, but it captures a moment of high fashion. Here, we see the eponymous haberdasher attending to well-dressed clients, surrounded by bolts of fabric and meticulously organized shelves. The social significance lies in the skilled labor involved; the drapery demands knowledge of materials, cutting, and tailoring. Note the contrast between the dandy's refined attire and the implied labor behind the textiles and the clothes that he sells. The print thus acknowledges the realities of production and consumption, highlighting the artistry embedded in everyday objects. It underscores that craft and commerce were deeply intertwined, and challenges any strict separation between the fine and applied arts.