Petit Courrier des Dames, ca. 1829, No. 679 : Bonnet en point d'Anglerr (...) c. 1829

This is an engraving titled, *Petit Courrier des Dames*, made around 1829, by an anonymous artist, and it presents fashion from the burgeoning world of Parisian style. During this era, fashion plates served not just as records of dress, but as complex signifiers of social identity, particularly for women navigating the restrictive yet evolving societal norms of the 19th century. The detailed rendering of lace bonnets and patterned robes speaks to the artistry involved, but also to the commercial interests driving the fashion industry. These images offered a glimpse into a world of elegance and aspiration, catering to the desires of a bourgeoisie eager to assert its status through sartorial choices. The print subtly hints at the dynamics of women’s roles. Are we seeing agency or constraint? The act of letter writing could be interpreted as a form of empowerment, a connection to the world beyond domestic confines, yet it remains within the framework of expected feminine pursuits. This artwork serves as a looking glass, reflecting the intricate dance between personal expression and societal expectation, a dance that continues to shape our understanding of identity today.