Nouveau Journal des Dames, 1821, Pl. 11 : Robe de Mérinos garnie de brandebourgs (...) 1821

Hubert Lefèvre created this fashion plate for the Nouveau Journal des Dames in Paris, 1821. Images like this circulated widely, setting the standard for bourgeois women's dress in post-revolutionary France. Fashion plates weren't just about showcasing clothes; they reflected a society undergoing dramatic transformation. Notice how the women are depicted outdoors, in nature. This romantic ideal aligned with the era's emphasis on sensibilité, reflecting a yearning for simpler times amid rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The dresses themselves, with their high waistlines and flowing fabrics, evoke a sense of classical elegance, a deliberate move away from the excesses of the ancien régime. By studying fashion plates alongside other historical documents such as periodicals, letters, and economic data, we can gain a richer understanding of the values, aspirations, and social dynamics of 19th-century France. The history of fashion, far from being frivolous, offers a unique window into the past.