Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1787, qqq 367 : Jeune Elégante coeffé (...) 1787

This print was created by Pierre Charles Baquoy in 1787 using etching and engraving, techniques intimately tied to the printing press. The design is etched into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The image depicts a young woman in fashionable attire, showcasing the elaborate costumes of the French elite. The finery on display—the towering wig, silk gown, and ornate accessories—speak volumes about the culture of consumption and the labor involved in producing these goods. Consider the global trade networks required to source these materials, and the many hands involved in the creation of each garment, from the cultivation of raw materials to the skilled work of weaving, dyeing, and tailoring. The image is an advertisement, yes, but also a historical record. By emphasizing these material and social dimensions, we can challenge the traditional art historical focus on authorship and aesthetics, recognizing the vital role of craft, industry, and global commerce in shaping artistic production.