Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (659) Grand Négligé. 1805

Horace Vernet created this print, titled “Grand Négligé,” around 1805 for the Journal des Dames et des Modes, offering a glimpse into Parisian fashion during a transformative era. As the journal circulated among the elite, it subtly reinforced the period’s strict social hierarchies. The "Grand Négligé," or 'large undress', was clothing to be worn in the semi-privacy of one's own home. It was a signifier of class and status. Here, the woman’s attire suggests both freedom and constraint, reflecting the complex role of women in post-revolutionary society. The delicate fabric and soft colors evoke a sense of femininity and refinement, while the overall design hints at the limitations placed on women's expression and mobility. Consider the cultural narratives perpetuated through fashion and how they shape perceptions of gender and identity. The artist captures a moment in time while inviting us to reflect on the ever-evolving dialogue between clothing, identity, and power.