Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1778, L 65 : Jeune Bourgeoise vêtue d'une Polonais (...) 1778

Etienne Claude Voysard created this print titled, 'Young Bourgeois Woman Dressed in a Polonaise' in France in 1778. The engraving depicts a woman in fashionable dress, illustrating both class aspirations and the global trade networks of the period. Fashion plates like this served as a visual language, communicating social status through details of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. The "Polonaise" style dress, with its raised-up skirt and elaborate decorations, became popular among the French Bourgeoisie as a way of imitating aristocratic style, even though they lacked aristocratic titles. The reference to "Indian muslin" reveals the global reach of French fashion, drawing on colonial trade relationships for luxury textiles. The mention of "Le Lever de la Reine" points to the rituals of the French court, and the ways in which the bourgeoisie sought to emulate its customs. To fully understand this image, we can turn to sources like period fashion magazines, trade records, and social histories of 18th-century France. By understanding the social and institutional context of fashion, we can unlock the meaning of this single image.