Le Follet Courrier des Salons, 1835, No. 412: Les Curieuses 1835

This is an 1835 fashion plate titled "Le Follet Courrier des Salons" whose artist is anonymous. The lithograph presents two women in grand dresses, emphasizing the exaggerated silhouettes fashionable at the time. The composition balances detailed ornamentation with the stark geometry of the floor. This contrast creates a visual tension, drawing our eyes to the women's attire. The color palette is subdued, dominated by off-whites and pale greens. These colors lend the image an air of restrained elegance, while the dynamic lines of the dresses suggest movement and volume. Considered through a semiotic lens, each element functions as a signifier. The elaborate dresses signal wealth and status, while the act of reading and exchanging letters hints at social intrigue. This artwork encapsulates the visual and cultural codes of its time. The print highlights the performative aspects of fashion and the silent language of social exchange.