Moden-Gallerie, 1795, Fig. 62, T 34: Engelse vrouw in avondkleding 1795

Wilhelm Arndt made this print, "English woman in evening dress," in Germany in 1795. This image comes from a fashion magazine, "Moden-Gallerie." In the late 18th century, fashion magazines emerged as powerful tools for disseminating styles and shaping consumer desires, creating a shared European culture of taste. This print caters to an expanding middle class eager to emulate aristocratic fashion. The woman's attire and elaborate hairstyle, complete with feathers, speak to an elite world of social events and gatherings. However, the relative simplicity of the dress, compared to earlier styles, may reflect broader shifts toward more practical clothing, influenced by revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality. We can learn more about the social and economic context of this image by consulting fashion history resources, such as periodicals and journals from the period.