Estampes de costumes, 1744, pL. 2 (505) 1744

Louis Truchy created this print titled 'Estampes de costumes, 1744' depicting fashionable attire during a time of rigid social hierarchies. The elaborate dress embodies the ideals of femininity, wealth and status in 18th century Europe. The dress is visually striking for its size and ornamentation, which acted as a marker of class distinction during this period. The image speaks to the limited roles assigned to women of this era, who were often valued for their appearance and ability to display their family's wealth. The print demonstrates an interesting tension between the celebration and constraint of women through fashion. Consider how dress was a reflection of both personal identity and societal expectations. This image invites us to think about the ways in which clothing can express, or repress, a sense of self.