Petite Galerie Dramatique, 1796-1843, No. 60: Costume de Mme Hervey (...). 1796 - 1843

This print depicting Madame Hervey in costume, dates from between 1796 and 1843. It was made anonymously, using line engraving, a painstaking process of incising an image into a metal plate for reproduction. This technique, demanding skilled labor, allowed for the widespread distribution of theatrical fashion. The print’s materiality informs its aesthetic. The crisp lines and delicate shading showcase the engraver’s mastery, while the added color, likely applied by hand, enhances the costume’s vibrancy. The choice of a reproducible medium speaks to the burgeoning culture of celebrity and fashion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, catering to a growing audience eager to emulate stage styles. The print is not just an image, but a piece of social history, reflecting the era’s values, tastes, and modes of production. Appreciating the labor and materials involved challenges any hierarchy between fine art and everyday visual culture.