Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (603) Capote d'Alpaga. 1805

This fashion plate, made by Horace Vernet around 1805, presents a study in early 19th-century Parisian attire. The figure is dominated by a full-length alpaca coat, its texture meticulously rendered through delicate hatching, giving the garment a soft, almost palpable depth. The composition's verticality is reinforced by the line of buttons cascading down the coat and the figure's upright posture, offset by the gentle curve of the hat. Vernet's careful attention to detail is evident in the way light and shadow play across the fabric, adding volume and shape to the clothing. The subdued palette enhances the sense of refined elegance. The artwork can be seen as a semiotic code, where each element of the costume communicates aspects of social status and cultural values. The coat itself is more than just a garment; it symbolizes modernity, wealth, and taste during a pivotal time in French history. The work invites ongoing interpretation, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of fashion, identity, and representation.