Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 31 octobre 1813, (1350) 1813

Pierre Charles Baquoy created this print in 1813 for the Journal des Dames et des Modes in France. This journal was part of a broader movement of fashion periodicals that gained popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These publications weren't just about clothes. They played a crucial role in shaping social norms and class distinctions. Visual codes such as the cut of a garment and the posture of the wearer, like that of this androgynous figure, conveyed messages about status, taste, and gender. This particular image, with its detailed depiction of a 'Costume Parisien', offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the time. Looking at archives of fashion plates, periodicals, and personal letters can reveal how people used fashion to express their identities, negotiate social hierarchies, and participate in broader cultural conversations. Ultimately, this artwork’s meaning is always contingent on its historical and institutional context.