Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1780, 201 : Coeffure a l'Enfant (...) 1780

Jean Joseph Pelissier made this print entitled ‘Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français’ in 1780, showcasing elaborate women’s hairstyles of the time. Here we see an image that's more than just fashion; it's a window into the social hierarchy of 18th-century France. These aren't just hairstyles, they are social statements. The higher the hair, the higher the status, quite literally. Think about the resources, the time, and the sheer labor required to create and maintain these towering coiffures. It speaks volumes about the lives of the aristocracy, removed from the daily struggles of the common people. This was also an era of salons and intellectual exchange. How might these extravagant styles have played a role in those spaces, signaling one's allegiance to certain social or political circles? Understanding this image means diving into the archives. Period fashion magazines, court documents, and even satirical prints can reveal the complex meanings embedded in these hairstyles. What seems like mere ornamentation is, in fact, a powerful form of cultural expression.