Femme de qualité en deshabillé d'esté 1676 - 1683

Dieu de Saint Jean created this print of a fashionable woman, using etching and engraving techniques on paper. The coloring was added later, no doubt by hand, bringing a lively quality to the composition. Consider the title – “A woman of quality in summer undress.” This isn’t just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed image of status. The very act of producing such a print speaks to the growing culture of fashion and consumption in the late 17th century. The textiles and clothing depicted would have been produced by skilled artisans, with considerable labor involved in the creation of the lace, embroidery, and tailoring. The fan she holds would have required additional labor to decorate. In essence, this print encapsulates the interconnectedness of art, craft, and commerce during the early modern era. It blurs the boundaries between these categories, inviting us to reflect on the skilled workmanship behind even the most seemingly frivolous of consumer goods.