Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 20 mai 1816, (1565): Chapeau de Virgini (...) 1816

Pierre Charles Baquoy created this print titled, 'Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien', in 1816. It captures an ideal of feminine fashion in post-revolutionary France. Fashion plates like this one played a crucial role in shaping social norms and class distinctions. In a society still recovering from radical upheaval, clothing became a key signifier of status and allegiance. The 'Journal des Dames et des Modes' catered to an elite audience eager to re-establish a sense of order and refinement. This image is fascinating for historians because it offers a glimpse into the visual codes and cultural references that defined the era. The high-waisted gown, delicate bonnet, and carefully posed figure all speak to a desire for elegance and restraint, a rejection of the excesses associated with the aristocracy. Through careful study of sources, such as fashion magazines, personal letters, and portraits, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and political forces that shaped artistic production and reception in early 19th-century France.