Petit Courrier des Dames, 10 mai 1828, No. 553 : Chapeau en rubans de gaze... 1828

This is a fashion plate from the "Petit Courrier des Dames" made in Paris in 1828, showcasing the latest styles in women's attire. These prints circulated widely, shaping and reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the era. The image creates meaning through its attention to detail, offering a glimpse into the values and aspirations of early 19th-century French society. France at this time, still reeling from the Revolution, saw fashion as a powerful tool of cultural expression and social differentiation. Publications such as the "Petit Courrier" played a crucial role in disseminating these trends, reinforcing a sense of national identity and projecting an image of Parisian elegance across Europe. The opera was one of the most important institutions in France for both artistic and social development. To understand this artwork better, one could delve into the archives of fashion publications, scrutinize historical records of textile production, and explore the political economy of the fashion industry in 19th-century France. The meaning of this seemingly simple fashion plate is, after all, contingent on its social and institutional context.