Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1786, eee 308: La sémillante Lisett (...) 1786

Nicolas Dupin created "La sémillante Lisett" in 1786 as part of the "Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français," using etching to illustrate French fashion. The etching, with its delicate lines and intricate detail, captures the opulence of late 18th-century attire. The composition focuses on the subject's elaborate dress, emphasizing its volume and ornamentation. The artist skillfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to define the textures of the fabric and the intricate ruffles, highlighting the material richness. The semiotic codes embedded in the clothing reflect the values of the aristocracy, where fashion was a language of status. This challenges fixed meanings by presenting fashion not merely as adornment, but as a performative aspect of social identity. Each element contributes to a complex system of representation. This image provides insight into the cultural and philosophical discourses surrounding fashion and identity in pre-revolutionary France.