Petit Courrier des Dames, 15 février 1830, No. 701 : Coiffure Exécutée Par M.r Narcisse... 1830

This fashion plate, printed in 1830, comes from an anonymous publication, “Petit Courrier des Dames.” The image itself is a lithograph, a newly commercialized printmaking technique that uses the chemical repulsion between oil and water to transfer an image to paper. Here, the lithographic process enabled the wide dissemination of the latest Parisian styles. Look closely, and you’ll notice the texture and sheen of the dress, achieved with delicate hatching and strategic use of color. The print highlights not just the design but also the materials: the light fabric of the dress, the elaborate trimming, and the over-the-top hairstyle. Fashion prints like this played a crucial role in the burgeoning fashion industry, driving consumption and shaping taste. They demonstrate a clear connection between artistry, industrial production, and the desires of a consumer culture. It’s a reminder that even seemingly frivolous images can reveal the intricate relationship between materials, making, and society.