Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 25 janvier 1813, (1286): Casquette de drap (...) 1813

Pierre Charles Baquoy created this print, titled "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 25 janvier 1813," using etching and stipple techniques. Published during the French Restoration, this image offers a glimpse into the fashion ideals and social codes of the Parisian elite. The subject is presented in a skating pose; his attire is more than mere clothing – it symbolizes status and identity. Consider the implications of the tailored jacket, the snug trousers, and the extravagant headwear. Each element speaks to the period's obsession with refinement and presentation. Fashion, particularly in this era, dictated so much about a person's position. Through dress, social roles were reinforced and performed. One could say that clothing became a language of power, aspiration, and belonging. The image serves as a mirror, reflecting the values and the often unspoken rules that governed Parisian society. It invites us to reflect on how clothing shapes our identities and interactions even today.