Twee vrouwen en drie mannen in kleding uit 1850, 1840 en 1857 1857

This print, by an anonymous artist, depicts fashion from the mid-19th century. The image was likely made using a method of graphic reproduction such as etching or engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. These techniques were crucial in disseminating images widely, creating a visual culture of style. The print gives us a window onto the textiles of the day. We can see the elaborate lace of the 1850s dress, the softer lines of the 1840s silhouette, and the tailored suits of the 1850s gentleman. The level of detail suggests the skilled labor required to produce these fashionable garments. Textiles are the products of industrial manufacturing as well as handcraft. Here, the print doesn't just show the clothes but also the social and economic realities of the time, highlighting issues of class, labor, and the emerging culture of consumerism. Ultimately, this print reminds us that fashion is not just about aesthetics; it's about the materials, the making, and the social context in which clothing is produced and consumed.