Two Costume Designs or Portrait Types 1785 - 1790

These two costume designs were created by an anonymous artist, using watercolor and pen and ink on paper. Each design is presented within a circular frame, evoking a sense of refinement and exclusivity. The choice of watercolor allows for delicate, translucent layers of color, capturing the sheen of satin and the softness of gauze. Pen and ink add crisp details to the garments and hairstyles, highlighting the elaborate construction techniques employed in high fashion. But these are not just pretty pictures. Consider the labor involved in creating these garments: the weavers who produced the luxurious fabrics, the seamstresses who meticulously stitched each frill and embellishment, and the milliners who crafted the towering hats. These images offer a glimpse into the world of 18th-century haute couture, where fashion was not merely a matter of personal style but a reflection of social status and economic power. Recognizing the significance of materials, making, and context helps us understand the social and cultural significance embedded within the artwork.