Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Februari 1808, No. 38: Coeffure á la Titus,... 1808

Editor: This engraving, titled *Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Februari 1808*, showcases women's fashion of the early 19th century. The detail in the dress is quite intricate. What do you see in this print? Curator: This image is fascinating as a reflection of cultural memory. Notice the emphasis on classical motifs, the 'a la Titus' hairstyle. It's an invocation of Republican Rome, loaded with symbolic meaning about virtue and simplicity, despite the luxurious ball gown. Editor: So the reference to Titus isn't just about fashion? Curator: Precisely! The choice of such a style consciously ties the wearer to an idealized past. This was during a period of revolutionary change and upheaval in Europe. Do you think these symbols provided a sense of continuity or perhaps an escape? Editor: Possibly both! It’s a way to connect with a perceived golden age amidst contemporary turmoil, yet doing so through fashion seems a bit… performative, maybe? Curator: It is. The performance, however, allows the wearer to actively embody these virtues. It becomes a powerful, silent declaration. Editor: I hadn’t thought about fashion in terms of that kind of visual messaging. I'll definitely view similar pieces with a more critical eye now! Curator: Indeed. By analyzing the symbols and the context, we discover what images were trying to tell us beyond just aesthetic appeal.