Le Voleur, 1848, No. 29 : Gazette des Journeaux Français 1848

This fashion plate, made by A. Brückner in 1848, is a lithograph, a printmaking process that allows for fine lines and subtle shading. It was a common technique for circulating images of the latest styles. The print shows three figures showcasing the elaborate fashions of the time. The clothes were made from textiles like cotton, silk, and wool, and the skilled labor of seamstresses was required to create these intricate garments. The dresses are particularly detailed, with ruffles, embellishments, and tailored fits. Notice how the cut of the man's jacket, the drape of the skirt, and the set of the hat all speak to a culture of extreme refinement. The image is not just about aesthetics, though; it is also about class and consumption. These clothes are an advertisement, a signifier of wealth and status. Consider the contrast between the labor-intensive process of making these clothes and the relatively cheap method of printing, which allowed these styles to be distributed to a wider audience, fueling desire and aspiration.