Vive la France, "French" Style in Broadway 1840

Alfred E. Baker's lithograph, "Vive la France, 'French' Style in Broadway," made in 1840, presents a symmetrical composition that reflects the period's fascination with French fashion. The balanced arrangement of figures — a central male figure flanked by two women — creates a visual rhythm, each element contributing to the artwork's overall sense of order and decorum. The artist uses color to emphasize social distinctions. The man's attire, with its contrasting green coat and yellow vest, stands out against the more subdued tones of the women's garments. The careful attention to detail in rendering the clothing's textures and patterns indicates a keen interest in the material culture of the time. This print serves as a signifier of cultural values, capturing a moment in which fashion was not just about aesthetics but also about communicating status. The formal qualities of the print highlight the constructed nature of social identity and the performance of cultural ideals.