Tableau Général du Goût, An 7, No. 13 (21 dec. 1798): Couple amoureux à la promenade 1798

Laurent Guyot made this print, titled *Couple amoureux à la promenade*, in 1798. As part of a series of fashion plates, it captures the sartorial tastes during the French Directory, a period of radical change following the French Revolution. The print depicts a couple on a stroll, embodying the era's evolving ideals of beauty and social roles. Her high-waisted dress, inspired by classical antiquity, symbolizes a break from the aristocratic excesses of the Ancien Régime. His tailored coat and cravat suggest a more restrained masculine elegance. The intimate composition hints at shifting gender dynamics, with the couple appearing as equals in their leisurely pursuit. Yet, the print also speaks to enduring class distinctions, showcasing the refined attire of the bourgeoisie amidst a society still grappling with inequality. Guyot's fashion plates offer a glimpse into a world in transition. They reflect a yearning for a new social order while revealing the complexities of identity in a revolutionary age.