Dimensions height 281 mm, width 195 mm
Etienne Claude Voysard’s Gallerie des Modes is a print that captures a figure of a young, elegant gentleman dressed in the latest fashion trends of the late 18th century. During this time, fashion became a powerful tool for expressing social status and individual identity. This image serves as a cultural artifact which reflects the values and norms of the French aristocracy. The gentleman’s elaborate attire, complete with a powdered wig and ornate accessories, signifies his wealth and privilege within a hierarchical society. The work gives you insight into how clothing was used to perform identity. Consider also the history of textiles and global trade that enabled such displays of opulence. The fabrics, dyes, and embellishments often came from far-flung corners of the world, reflecting France’s colonial reach and economic power. The work represents the intersection of personal style and broader historical forces, inviting us to reflect on the ways in which fashion shapes and reflects our understanding of self and society.
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In 1778 two young publishers tapped a previously undiscovered market with the launch of a series entitled Gallerie des Modes, which responded to the growing demand among Parisians for fashion news. Initially featuring only hairstyles, the series’ illustrations were later extended to include complete outfits to cater to its audience. These showed figures from head to toe. All ranks of French society were represented in a wide variety of fashionable clothes, from the simple negligée 1 to the robe à la polonaise 2 3, the robe à l’anglaise 4 and the occasional smart gentleman’s suit.
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