Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Januari 1809, No. 68: Robe de Satin... 1809

This print, made in 1809 in the Netherlands, appeared in Elegantia, a journal dedicated to fashion, luxury, and taste for women. The journal, and prints like this one, played an important role in shaping and disseminating ideas about style and social status during the early 19th century. Elegantia reflects the fashion trends and cultural values of its time. Here, the high-waisted satin dress, fur-lined for warmth and luxury, speaks to the concerns and aspirations of upper-class women in a time of political and social change. Consider the political backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the economic structures that supported the demand for luxury goods and fashion. We could explore how the journal served as a tool for reinforcing social hierarchies and dictating standards of beauty and refinement. By studying periodicals like Elegantia, alongside archival records of textile production and trade, we gain insight into the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.