Le Mois, 1799-1800, No. 20 1799 - 1800

Louis Philibert Debucourt created "Le Mois, 1799-1800, No. 20" using etching and aquatint to present a snapshot of fashionable life. The composition, dominated by two figures, reveals a careful balance between form and the socio-cultural context of the time. The lines defining the women's dresses, the textures of their garments, and the subtle use of color, reflect the aesthetic values of the late 18th century. The use of aquatint lends a soft, tonal quality to the print, evoking a sense of elegance and refinement, in contrast to the sharp precision of etching, which highlights the details of clothing and accessories. Note how Debucourt plays with the representation of femininity and class. The garments function as signs, indicating status and adherence to contemporary ideals of beauty and social standing. Through its formal elements, this print not only captures a moment in time but also invites us to decode the visual language of fashion and its role in constructing identity and social meaning. The work embodies a complex interplay of aesthetics, representation, and cultural commentary.