The Lady's Magazine, 1825, No. 2 : Evening Dress (...) 1825

This print, made by William Hopwood in 1825, depicts an evening dress, as published in The Lady’s Magazine. It’s an engraving, a printing technique that requires considerable skill and labor. The image starts as a drawing, which is then meticulously incised into a metal plate, usually copper. Ink is applied, then wiped away, remaining only in the engraved lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Hopwood's print isn’t just a straightforward depiction of an evening dress; it is advertising and marketing at its finest, promoting a particular style, and the social values associated with it. What's interesting is the amount of work required to create the image, from the original design of the dress itself to the printing and distribution of the magazine. Each stage involves labor, skills, and resources. When we consider this print, we're not just looking at fashion, but also at the complex web of production, consumption, and social aspirations that defined the 19th century. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple images can be rich with material and social significance.