La Belle Assemblée, 1 august 1825, No. 8 new series: Carriage Dress. 1825

This print from La Belle Assemblée, dated August 1, 1825, and created by W. Read, presents a fashion plate titled "Carriage Dress." The composition is dominated by a central figure, a woman adorned in the attire of the time, rendered with meticulous detail. The color palette is soft, using muted tones to convey elegance and refinement. The dress itself, the focal point, is structured with an elongated form, emphasizing verticality and poise. Notice how the artist pays close attention to the textures of fabrics. The delicate lace shawl contrasts with the heavier material of the dress. Read uses line to create detail, especially in the rendering of the floral arrangements and trim. Fashion plates like this one are not just about clothing; they are semiotic systems. The attire signals social status, taste, and adherence to cultural codes. This print offers a rich source for decoding early 19th-century aesthetics, ideals, and the structures of representation.