Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Oktober 1807, No. 23 : Coeffure et Robe Parées... 1807

This print, created in October 1807 by an anonymous artist, comes from "Elegantia," a Dutch magazine dedicated to fashion, luxury, and taste for women. The magazine itself reflects the cultural values of the time, offering a glimpse into the lives of women within a specific social class. The woman depicted is wearing a high-waisted empire silhouette dress, popular at the time for its Neoclassical allusions and its perceived comfort and freedom. Yet, the layers of lace and ornamentation speak to the economics of fashion, hinting at the material conditions which determined who could access these styles. While the image presents an idealized vision of feminine elegance, the reality for many women was starkly different, their labor often exploited to produce the very garments that symbolized wealth and status. Consider the subtle gestures, the carefully arranged fabrics, and the overall presentation, and ask yourself what stories are being told, and whose voices remain unheard?