Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 10 août 1810, (1079): Gilet croisé (...) 1810

Curator: Let's explore this fashion plate, "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 10 août 1810" created around 1810. It is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection, and Pierre Charles Baquoy made the engraving. Editor: My first impression is a sense of understated elegance. The figure's pose and the delicate linework contribute to a feeling of refined composure, like he's about to recite poetry at court. Curator: The image reflects the Neoclassical movement’s fascination with form and balance. It highlights idealized representations, moving away from ornate Rococo styles towards more streamlined silhouettes and gestures, mirroring political shifts of the time toward centralized governance and ordered societies. Editor: I am especially drawn to how the engraver uses simple, clean lines to define the shape of the man’s figure, almost mathematically precise, which gives the drawing such restrained beauty and classicizing ambition. Look how these rhythmic vertical stripes on his trousers lengthen his figure. Curator: Stripes definitely convey status. They are not mere decorations but symbols of aristocratic pretension. The whole ensemble alludes to France's post-revolution ambition of crafting and upholding societal structures that, at first glance, preach egalitarianism but subtly maintain hierarchical order through material signifiers. Editor: Although the colors are muted—mostly greens and browns—they work perfectly with the sharp contrasts of the line work, creating a harmonious but quiet effect, very subdued indeed! Curator: It’s interesting how visual style during this period supported new societal norms by alluding to republican virtues but, in effect, reinforcing the notion of who belongs to that exclusive republic. Editor: I notice, also, that the frame enclosing the figure makes it feel like a carefully constructed tableau. Everything contributes to a sense of deliberation and order. Curator: Seeing it through the lens of historical psychology, such stylistic choices become pivotal to the era's visual vocabulary. Thank you for focusing on the subtle choices and nuances. Editor: The pleasure was all mine. Such refined aesthetics subtly encoded with societal values give you a glimpse of their times!