Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Juli 1808, No. 51: Collier de Corail... 1808

This is a fashion plate titled Elegantia, from July 1808, made by an anonymous artist. The lithograph, now held at the Rijksmuseum, presents a study in neoclassical aesthetics through its delicate lines, muted colours, and emphasis on form. The composition is structured around a central female figure, whose white dress creates a column of simplicity, cinched by a blue sash. This verticality is countered by the soft folds of her sleeves and the patterned shawl draped over her arm, introducing a play of texture against the smooth dress. The coral necklace and delicate accessories punctuate the scene with subtle colour, but without disrupting the overall harmonic quality of the composition. This image reflects a broader cultural interest in classical ideals. It is a constructed representation of taste, reinforcing social values and hierarchies through the visual language of fashion. As such, it stands as a signifier of its time, inviting ongoing interpretation of its aesthetic and cultural codes.