Journal des Dames et des Modes, editie Frankfurt 1809, Costume Parisien, (31) : Devant de Corsage Drapé (...) 1809

This print, made in Frankfurt in 1809 by Friedrich Ludwig Neubauer, is from the Journal des Dames et des Modes, showcasing Parisian fashion. Neubauer likely used a combination of etching and engraving, processes involving coating a metal plate with wax, drawing an image, and then using acid to bite into the metal. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the image transferred to paper under high pressure. What’s striking here is the image's connection to broader social issues of labor and consumption. Fashion plates like these fuelled the burgeoning textile industry, driving demand for fabrics and employing countless workers. The delicate lines and precise details suggest a time-consuming process, reflecting both the skill of the printmaker and the labor involved in producing fashionable garments. By focusing on the materials and processes involved in its creation, we gain a richer understanding of this print. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images can offer insights into the complex interplay of art, craft, and commerce.