Journal des Dames et des Modes, editie Frankfurt 1805, Costume Parisien (5) : Costume de Bal 1805

This is Friedrich Ludwig Neubauer's "Journal des Dames et des Modes, editie Frankfurt 1805, Costume Parisien (5) : Costume de Bal," made circa 1805. It reflects the fashion trends and the societal values of early 19th-century Europe. These fashion plates served as a medium through which ideals of femininity, class, and French identity were constructed and disseminated. During this time, fashion was not merely about aesthetics; it was deeply intertwined with social status and political expression. The neoclassical style, seen here in the high-waisted gown and soft fabrics, was associated with the French Empire and its vision of modernity and elegance. Note how the woman’s posture and attire speak to the performative nature of gender and class. The "Costume de Bal" not only represents a garment but also embodies the aspirations and self-perception of the women who sought to emulate this Parisian ideal. The image invites us to consider the intimate relationship between fashion, identity, and the gaze of society.