Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Januari 1807, No. 1: Capote de velours... 1807

This is an anonymous print from January 1807, titled “Elegantia, or Journal of Fashion, Luxury and Taste for Ladies.” Created during a period of significant social change, these fashion plates offer a glimpse into the world of early 19th-century European fashion. This image presents a woman adorned in the attire of the time, a velvet coat over a bonnet trimmed with tulle. Elegantia was more than a record of fashion trends. It reveals the era's complex relationship with luxury, gender, and class. The detailed depiction of clothing suggests a culture deeply invested in appearances, where fashion served as a marker of social status and identity. The woman's dress, while fashionable, also subtly reflects the constraints placed upon women in that era, where appearance often dictated their role in society. This print offers a window into the past, inviting us to consider the socio-cultural values that shaped the lives and identities of women during this time. It captures an intimate portrait of a world where fashion, luxury, and taste were intertwined with identity and social standing.