Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1776-1778, B 10 : Bonnet rond avec un Serre-têt (...) c. 1776

This print, from the Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, dates from 1776 to 1778. It features finely detailed engravings, likely etched in copper, then delicately hand-colored. The print showcases different bonnet styles, and these elaborate fabrications were symptomatic of their time. In 18th-century France, fashion was an industry, and the amount of labor involved in the creation of these bonnets—from textile production to the intricate trimming—indicates a whole social system. The bonnets are made from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton, and trimmed with silk ribbons and lace. Each element reflects a specific craft tradition. Note how the bonnets are not just functional head coverings, but rather carefully constructed displays of status. Ultimately, the Gallerie des Modes was a form of marketing, connecting the workshops that made these items with elite consumers. So, in studying this print, we are looking at an early, sophisticated example of the fashion system at work.