Vrouw met grote hoed op samen met bediende 1831

This print, "Woman with Large Hat Accompanied by Servant," was created by Charles Philipon sometime in the first half of the 19th century. As a satirical piece, it reflects the social and political context of 1830s France, when class distinctions were stark, and fashion was used to reinforce them. Philipon uses caricature to make a statement about the excesses of the aristocracy. The enormously exaggerated hat is a symbol of vanity and excess. The lady's dress also serves to make a commentary on the fashion of the time. The figure behind her, identified as a servant, has a different, darker complexion. It is here that the intersection of race and class becomes visible. This character is placed in service to the lady, highlighting the racial hierarchies inherent in the colonial and post-colonial world of 19th-century France. This image makes me think about who gets to be seen as beautiful, who is in service, and how those things are related to each other.