Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1778, Q 96 : Jolie Femme coëffée d'un Bonnet (...) c. 1778

Charles Emmanuel Patas created this print in 1778 as part of the ‘Gallery of French Fashion and Costumes’. It presents a fashionable woman, and we can use it to explore the social and cultural values of late 18th-century France. The image communicates meaning through visual codes that would have been easily recognized by its contemporary audience. Note the towering hairstyle or ‘coëffée,’ a symbol of aristocratic status and wealth. The elaborate dress, with its layers of lace and vibrant green color, further accentuates her privileged position. The print's emphasis on fashion reflects the growing consumer culture and the increasing importance of appearance in French society. To understand this artwork better, we can consult fashion plates, conduct archival research, and study social histories of the period. These sources allow us to explore the complex relationship between art, fashion, and society, reminding us that artistic meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.