Petit Courrier des Dames, 15 février 1829, No. 617 : Robe de blonde... 1829

Curator: This delicate print from 1829 is titled "Petit Courrier des Dames, 15 février 1829, No. 617: Robe de blonde...", and it comes to us from an anonymous artist working in France. Editor: It's like a meticulously crafted daydream. I’m struck by how fragile and ornate it is. All those fine lines, it feels very intimate. Curator: Indeed. The artist utilized pen and ink on paper, showcasing remarkable detail for the period. You see the dress labeled ‘Robe de blonde,’ alluding to the luxurious blonde lace, a high commodity at the time, advertised to attract wealthy clientele and their desires to remain in the height of fashion. The text tells of a magazine showcasing the shops in Paris, advertising the beautiful clothing for sale, and the elaborate feathered hair styles Editor: Look at the interplay of lines and textures. The hatched lines create volume and depth, particularly in the puffed sleeves and the skirt's many layers, creating an impression of soft, airy fabric. Note how the rigid geometry of the lattice clashes with the frilly adornments creating tension through structural contrasts. Curator: Exactly. Beyond the aesthetic, this print served as a crucial marketing tool, effectively demonstrating how garments crafted from such fabrics appeared, and moreover what could be achieved with a shopping trip to the suggested purveyors. These images circulated through magazines and social circles, dictating trends and solidifying Paris as the epicenter of fashion production. Editor: You can almost feel the social world building in this artwork! The artist’s ability to suggest movement and personality within such a constrained medium is masterful, communicating much even in such a tightly bound format. Curator: That tension speaks volumes about the era's aspirations. And for whom was it possible to aspire, let alone consume, the styles it suggests? It is a great starting point from which we may reflect upon issues surrounding the industrial revolution and labor in France. Editor: This little drawing is a treasure trove of fashion history! Curator: Agreed! These small prints provide a wealth of information about a burgeoning fashion industry, consumption, and a snapshot into early 19th century French society.