Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 30 septembre 1808, (923): Costume de Vill (...) 1808

Editor: So, this is "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 30 septembre 1808," a print, specifically an engraving, by Pierre Charles Baquoy, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It gives off this vibe of relaxed elegance – almost like a fashion plate from a magazine. What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: Isn't it captivating? The man seems ready for a stroll, nonchalantly elegant. The soft coloring reminds me of a watercolor sketch, offering an intimate glimpse into Parisian fashion. And you see how the Romanticism movement breathes through the idealized figure, the suggestion of effortless grace? Editor: Absolutely! It’s that sense of implied movement. The figure isn't just standing there; he’s mid-gesture. Does that contribute to the "genre painting" aspect, showing a slice of daily life? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to imagine a story around him. But the magic truly unfolds when you realize this was, after all, just a "negligee"! It’s hilarious – as casual elegance during that period might turn some heads even today. The tiny, almost cheeky bow details at his waist adds another layer, don't you think? It disrupts the formal composition just enough to catch your eye. Editor: Yes, it's definitely cheeky. Learning about the context of ‘negligee’ being ‘casual’ then, makes you look at it in a new way! What a fancy way to be "casual". I'll never look at fashion plates the same way. Curator: Indeed! It serves as a vibrant little reminder. Everything evolves. It's easy to judge this through modern eyes, forgetting to put it within it's era. This journey definitely sparked fresh perspectives!