The Fashions of 1830: A Further Degree of Perfection (Encore un dégré de perfection: Modes de 1830) 1829

This hand-colored lithograph entitled 'The Fashions of 1830: A Further Degree of Perfection' was created in France by an anonymous artist. During this time, fashion was extravagant. Here we see an exaggerated depiction of upper-class French society. The artist uses satire to critique the excesses of bourgeois culture. Both figures are distorted, pushing the boundaries of gendered expectations. The woman’s massive sleeves and towering hairstyle contrast with her narrow waist, while the man’s padded suit creates a grotesque, almost comical silhouette. The print reflects how clothing was used to create an illusion of status and desirability. However, the artist uses exaggeration to expose the artifice and absurdity of these ideals. The figures appear trapped and uncomfortable, suggesting the restrictive nature of societal norms. The humor in this image makes us question how much we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of appearance. It is a poignant commentary on the human desire for perfection and the lengths we go to achieve it.