Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 25 juillet 1817 (1664) 1817

Pierre Charles Baquoy created this print, now held at the Rijksmuseum, for the Journal des Dames et des Modes in 1817. Immediately, the rhythmic vertical lines of the dress capture the eye, contrasted with the softness of the shawl. The figure is framed by a delicate border that emphasizes the print’s presentation of fashionable attire. The lines of the dress create an illusion of height and flow, suggesting movement despite the static medium. This engraving operates within a semiotic system, where each element serves as a signifier of status and taste. Consider the bonnet, the high waistline, and the delicate footwear, all communicating aspects of early 19th-century Parisian fashion. The print also challenges fixed notions of representation, using the graphic medium to abstract and idealize the female form, turning it into an aesthetic object for contemplation. The artist uses line and form to engage with contemporary ideas about beauty, class, and the burgeoning fashion industry. Note how the linear precision captures a moment in time, reflecting not just clothing but also the era's values and aspirations.