Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Februari 1807, No. 4: Capote de Velours, shwal Boiteux 1807

This fashion plate, made in February 1807, showcases the "Capote de Velours" with a "Shwal Boiteux," reflecting the styles of the time. The bonnet, adorned with delicate flowers, is a motif resonating with Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. We can see echoes of Botticelli’s "Primavera," where Flora scatters blossoms, symbolizing renewal and beauty. Here, in the early 19th century, the floral bonnet speaks to a similar desire for grace and rebirth, perhaps subconscious yearnings from a collective memory deeply embedded in our cultural psyche. The shawl, draped elegantly, harkens back to classical drapery seen in ancient sculptures, but evolved to reflect contemporary tastes. This is a non-linear progression of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.