Incroyables et Merveilleuses, 1812, Merveilleuse, No. 13: Chapeau de Paille d'Itali (...) 1812

Georges Jacques Gatine made this print, *Incroyables et Merveilleuses*, in 1812, using etching and engraving, techniques that allow for the fine, controlled lines you see here. He then added color using a process called "à la poupée," dabbing different pigments onto the plate before each pressing. Look closely, and you’ll see the texture of the woven straw hat, the delicate frills of the lace collar, and the soft folds of the dress. These details don't just represent clothing; they speak to the skilled labor of the milliners, lace makers, and dressmakers of the time. Fashion prints like this one played a crucial role in the rise of consumer culture. They weren't just art, but advertisements, fueling desire for the latest styles. The print thus reflects the social and economic forces that drove the fashion industry, with its complex web of production, consumption, and class aspiration. The *Merveilleuse* was a woman of fashion, and a product of fashion at the same time.