Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français 1776, G 40: Femme de Qualité en Deshabillé se promenant le matin (...) c. 1778

Etienne Claude Voysard made this print, "Femme de Qualité en Deshabillé," in 1776 using etching and engraving. What's fascinating is how these reproductive processes relate to fashion itself, which was just then becoming an industrialized system. Look closely, and you can appreciate the intricacy of the lines, and how they describe the textures of the woman's garments. Consider how the artist was tasked with capturing the delicate fabrics and embellishments of high-end clothing. The fine lines create a sense of depth and volume, bringing the image to life. Fashion prints like this one were made for the rising middle classes, allowing them to participate vicariously in aristocratic culture. The printmaker's labor helped fuel the desires of consumers. The artwork offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century fashion, but also the socio-economic dynamics of the era, when consumerism was changing society forever. It is a reminder that art, craft, and design are always intertwined with the wider world of labor, politics, and consumption.