Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1785, nr. 1, Kopie naar cc 162 : Lévite ornée de brandebourgs (...) c. 1785

Pierre Gleich created this print titled, "Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1785" offering us a glimpse into the world of late 18th-century French fashion. Created during a time of great social and political upheaval, these fashion plates reflect the aristocratic class's obsession with image and status, just before the French Revolution. The woman's elaborate hairstyle and ornate gown speak to the hyper-femininity that was fashionable at the time. Yet, consider the artificiality of it all. The towering wigs, heavy fabrics, and restrictive garments all point to a detachment from the natural self. The reference to the "Dewonshire" hat suggests a cultural exchange, where fashion trends were adopted and adapted across borders. The fact that this style was "brought from this city to the Court of France" speaks to the power of fashion as a means of cultural exchange and social distinction. Ultimately, this print is a testament to the complex relationship between fashion, identity, and power in pre-revolutionary France. How might these images shape our understanding of the people who inhabited that world?