Morning 1694 - 1760

Gilles Edme Petit created this print, "Morning," where a woman is depicted at her toilette. The image gives us a glimpse into the intimate rituals of 18th-century femininity, where the application of cosmetics was both an art and a performance. Her carefully arranged hair, the strategically placed beauty mark, and the elegant drape of her dressing gown all speak to the artificiality and theatricality of aristocratic life. The parrot perched nearby perhaps symbolizes the exoticism and luxury associated with the upper classes. Yet, the image also hints at the transience of beauty and the artifice required to maintain it. The French inscription warns of the dangers of misapplied cosmetics, cautioning that they could disfigure rather than enhance. This print offers us a complex reflection on identity, gender, and the societal pressures placed upon women. It's a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that true beauty lies beyond the surface.