Two Costume Designs or Portrait Types of Two Women with Straw Hats 1785 - 1790

These Two Costume Designs or Portrait Types of Two Women with Straw Hats were made by an anonymous artist. The work presents a glimpse into the fashion and societal roles of women during its time. The subjects, adorned in elaborate straw hats and wigs, are framed in circular vignettes, reminiscent of porcelain portrait miniatures. These details reflect the emphasis on appearance and status in the lives of upper-class women. The artist has created not just images, but types, reflecting societal expectations of women, which were often confined to appearance and presentation. The delicate watercolors and meticulous attention to detail speak to the complex layers of identity, performance, and visibility that these women navigated. The work offers an intimate look at the visual culture that shaped and mirrored the lives of women, capturing both the artifice and the artistry inherent in their constructed identities.