Les Adieux, from Le Monument du Costume 1777

Restif de La Bretonne created "Les Adieux" as part of his "Le Monument du Costume," offering us a glimpse into 18th-century French society. During this era, clothing was far more than mere fabric, it was a powerful signifier of social status, gender roles, and economic standing. Notice how the elaborate gown of the central female figure completely dominates the scene. Consider the layers of artifice embedded in this image: the towering hairstyle, the restricted movement imposed by the dress. What does it mean to perform femininity through such elaborate attire? Look at the interaction between the woman and the child, and the presence of the servants. How do these figures reinforce or subvert the power dynamics of the time? Restif once said he wanted to document the spirit of the times through its clothing. In "Les Adieux," we see not just fashion, but also the complex interplay of social expectations, personal identity, and the silent language of class distinctions.