Pariser Modenzeitung für Deutsche Frauen, 1830 V. Jahrg (3) : Coiffure mit Blumen (...) 1830

This fashion plate for a German magazine was made around 1830, using etching and engraving techniques, and then carefully hand-colored. The artistry here resides in the labor-intensive process of capturing the fine details of the dresses and hairstyles. Take a close look at the textures and patterns: the meticulous rendering of pleats, ribbons, and floral arrangements. The print showcases the height of fashion, but also hints at the social and economic realities behind it. The layers of fabric, the elaborate ornamentation, and the fashionable silhouette would have required the work of many hands, from textile production to the sewing of the garments. This image straddles the line between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the skilled labor involved in the production of fashion and its representation. By recognizing the artistry inherent in both the making of the dresses and the printing of this image, we gain a deeper appreciation for the material culture of the 19th century.