Portret van een jonge vrouw 1774 - 1793

Louis Marin Bonnet created this print of a young woman using the crayon manner technique. This technique simulates the effect of a crayon or pastel drawing and was popular in France during the 18th century. Note the elaborate hairstyle. In France at this time, fashion was an important marker of social status, and the aristocracy was known for its extravagant clothing and hairstyles. Bonnet was one of many artists who found a market for their work by creating images of fashionable women. These images helped to spread the latest styles among the upper classes. As historians, we must question the role of art in reinforcing social hierarchies. We can research fashion magazines, portraits, and other visual sources to understand the social context in which this print was made. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, fashion, and social class in 18th-century France.