Petit Courrier des Dames, 20 mars 1830, No. 709 : Berret en gaze Dona Maria... 1830

This fashion plate was printed in Paris in 1830, as part of a series of images providing an insight into the clothing of the time. The printmaking process—likely etching or engraving, perhaps with hand-applied color—allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of these images, and wide distribution. The lines are delicate, but precise, indicating a skilled hand. The figures are idealized, of course, but the details of their garments are carefully rendered. We can appreciate the textural qualities of the fabrics, the cut of the gowns, and the elaborate trimmings. Fashion plates like these fueled the burgeoning industry of couture, and the rise of consumer culture. They democratized style, allowing individuals to keep pace with the latest trends. However, they also created a system of constant obsolescence, driving demand for new products, and contributing to the exploitation of garment workers. This seemingly innocuous image, therefore, has a deep relationship to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By considering the means of its production and circulation, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.