Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (618) Habit de Cour. 1805

This is a print, made in Paris in 1805 by Horace Vernet, illustrating a man’s courtly attire. It shows the techniques of etching and engraving, which allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images on paper. Look closely, and you'll see that the details of the clothing are meticulously rendered through fine lines and shading, capturing the texture of fabrics like velvet, lace, and silk. Note the elaborate embroidery on the coat, waistcoat, and breeches, suggesting hours of skilled labor, and the sword as an accessory, emphasizing the wearer’s status, and the social hierarchy of the time. Prints like this one served as a form of fashion media, circulating ideas and informing consumer desires. They fueled the demand for luxury goods, engaging countless artisans in the fashion and textile industries. By examining the material and making of this print, we gain insight into the social and economic networks it represents.