Two Costume Designs or Portrait Types 1785 - 1790

This sheet of costume designs or portrait types was made with watercolor and graphite by an anonymous artist. The two circular portraits depict women in elaborate hats and clothing. These images offer us a glimpse into the visual culture of late 18th-century France, a time of great social and political upheaval. These drawings were most likely made during the reign of Louis XVI. The emphasis on ornamentation and luxury reflects the lifestyle of the French aristocracy and the artistic tastes of the time. These fashions are associated with the French court and the reign of the ill-fated Marie Antoinette. While the artist remains unknown, their work provides invaluable insights into the visual codes, cultural references, and social structures of pre-revolutionary France. Scholarly research into fashion history, social history, and the history of costume design can help us to understand the role of images like these in reflecting and shaping cultural norms.