Portret van een jonge dame met hoed in profiel naar links 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers created this etching of a young woman in a hat sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The fine lines of the etching capture the details of her fashionable attire, reflecting the social emphasis on appearance during this period. The woman’s elaborate hat and delicate clothing speak to the culture of the time, where status and identity were often communicated through dress. Coclers was from a family of artists, so there is an institutional context in his artistic journey. Etchings like this were often circulated among the bourgeoisie, reinforcing social values and norms. Studying fashion plates, social commentaries, and even literature from the period could provide more insight into the values reflected here. Through this research, we can better understand how Coclers’ image both mirrors and possibly comments on the social structures of his time.