Incroyables et Merveilleuses, 1813, Merveilleuse, Pl. VI, kopie naar No. 15 1813 - 1955

This print, Merveilleuse, was made in 1813 by an anonymous artist. It depicts a woman who embodies the fashion and spirit of post-revolutionary France. During the Directoire period, there was a deliberate turn away from the aristocracy and their clothes. The "Merveilleuses", meaning "the marvelous women," adopted shockingly revealing Grecian-inspired dresses. This was a time of both liberation and excess, especially for wealthy women who shaped fashion trends. The high-waisted silhouette and the soft, flowing fabrics reflect a newfound sense of freedom, yet the extravagance also speaks to social inequalities. It is interesting to see how traditional markers of class and gender were being both challenged and reinforced through fashion. This image captures a moment of transition, where clothing became a powerful statement about identity, politics, and the complex realities of post-revolutionary society.