Coiffures, Poufs, Hats and Bonnets: Two Coiffures by the Hairdresser Depain c. 1790
Dimensions height 230 mm, width 152 mm
This print, "Coiffures, Poufs, Hats and Bonnets," was made anonymously, yet it showcases the work of the hairdresser Depain. Created through engraving and etching, this image captures the elaborate hairstyles of the late 18th century. The material quality of the print itself is relatively humble. It’s on paper, not a precious metal or canvas. But the image portrays extravagance. The depicted hairstyle, adorned with feathers, flowers, and ribbons, speaks volumes about the wearer’s social status. It also tells about the labor, specialized skills, and time needed to create such looks. Hairdressers like Depain weren't merely stylists, they were architects of social presentation. The print’s creation reflects the rise of consumer culture. It served as a promotional tool, advertising Depain's services to a wealthy clientele. By transforming ephemeral styles into lasting images, the print captures how fashion and artistry intertwine with economic forces. It reminds us that even the most seemingly frivolous creations are embedded in material conditions and social relations.
Comments
Ladies’ hairstyles were ingenious works of art, built around a core of cushions and horsehair. Hair was piled high in curls and twists (chignons) and adorned with feathers, ribbons, artificial flowers, tulle and jewels to create various fancifully named poufs. Because the hair was dressed using animal fat and powdered with wheat flour, these poufs attracted all manner of insects. Far from hygienic, they moreover did not last long. When they went out, ladies protected their hairdos with a voluminous ribbed hood called a calèche 1. Hairdressers of the time, who styled themselves as artists, used prints to advertise their latest creations and craftsmanship 2 3.
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