Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 1805, An 13 (653) Capote de Perkale... 1805

Horace Vernet created this print titled, "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien", in 1805. The print comes from a French fashion periodical offering a glimpse into the sartorial world of early 19th-century Parisian women. The figure's high-waisted dress, known as an empire silhouette, was a stark departure from the elaborate, restrictive styles of the preceding decades, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards Neoclassical ideals. Consider the socio-political context: France was emerging from the Revolution, and this new simplicity in fashion mirrored the era's emphasis on egalitarianism. Yet, this was also the time of Napoleon's reign, so fashion became a symbol of status for the elite. The delicate floral patterns adorning the dress and the parasol she holds, speaks to the era's fascination with nature and the romantic ideal of femininity. These images offered women both a reflection of their society and a canvas upon which to imagine and perhaps even enact subtle forms of self-expression.