Le Follet, 1846, No. 1350 : Chapeaux de Mme Jaillon (...) 1846

Laure Noël created this print titled 'Le Follet' in 1846, capturing the fashion of the French Second Empire. The image depicts two women in elaborate dresses and hats, embodying the era’s emphasis on luxury and refinement. Fashion plates like this one were instrumental in shaping the visual culture of the time, dictating trends and influencing societal ideals of beauty and femininity. These images offer insight into the gendered expectations of the 19th century, where women's identities were often closely tied to their appearance and social presentation. Consider the implications of such prescriptive imagery on women’s self-perception and social roles. While seemingly decorative, this print reflects a complex interplay of art, commerce, and the construction of identity in 19th-century France. It serves as a reminder of the power of images to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.