The Young Sultaness c. 18th century

Curator: This is Justus Chevillet’s print, "The Young Sultaness," from the 18th century. What's your initial impression? Editor: The sheer excess of fabric and the way it's been rendered – I'm really drawn to the material weight of that gown. Curator: Consider that the print medium allowed for wider distribution of such imagery. It really speaks to the Rococo era's fascination with luxury. Editor: Absolutely. But more than luxury, it speaks to the labor involved—the textile production, the construction of the harp itself. Curator: Indeed. It's a beautiful window into the social and cultural tastes of the time. Editor: A window, yes, but also a stark reminder of the means behind the opulence.