Incroyables et Merveilleuses, 1818, Merveilleuse, No. 32: Costume de Bal. 1818

Georges Jacques Gatine created this hand-colored engraving, "Costume de Bal," in Paris around 1818, capturing the elegance of the Merveilleuses. The floral wreaths adorning her gown are not merely decorative; they echo ancient symbols of celebration and triumph. Consider the laurel wreaths of antiquity, bestowed upon victors and poets. Here, these floral garlands, while delicate and feminine, still resonate with a sense of accomplishment and festivity. These wreaths, seen in ancient Roman art, have been resurrected in different forms through centuries to become a common element in fashion. The wreaths bring about a powerful connection to earlier traditions and an invitation to celebrate the beauty and exuberance of life, all while acknowledging the cyclical nature of fashion and cultural memory.