Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Mei 1807, No. 12 : Capote de Mousseline brodée... 1807

This is a print from a Dutch fashion magazine, Elegantia, dating from May 1807. The image presents a woman in fashionable dress; a white muslin gown, embroidered bonnet, gloves and shawl. Fashion plates such as this played a crucial role in disseminating styles across Europe. As sites of aspirational consumption, magazines like Elegantia offer insights into the social values of the time. The emphasis on luxury and taste catered to an elite audience, reinforcing existing social hierarchies. But the embrace of lighter, classically inspired styles also reflected broader cultural shifts associated with Enlightenment ideals and, more recently, the Napoleonic Empire. The increased use of cotton signals the impact of global trade networks on European consumer culture. To truly understand this image, we need to look at related publications and delve into the history of fashion, textile production, and social customs of the time. Only then can we appreciate how art and visual culture reflect the complex interplay of social, economic, and political forces.