Dimensions: height 278 mm, width 193 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This print at the Rijksmuseum is entitled 'Gallerie des Modes' and was made around 1778 by Nicolas Dupin. The composition depicts two figures, a woman and a young girl, set against a pale backdrop. The woman, presumably a couturière, is adorned in elaborate attire featuring a symphony of greens, yellows, and reds. Dupin’s use of line here is particularly striking; delicate strokes define the intricate lace and voluminous fabrics, creating a visual texture that invites the eye to explore. The artist plays with visual semiotics, communicating status through the exaggerated silhouettes and the high coiffure. The print challenges established social norms and ideals of beauty through these signifiers. Consider how the image operates within a system of signs, where clothing becomes a potent communicator of social identity and cultural values. This print offers a glimpse into a world where appearance is performance, and fashion is a language of its own.
Comments
In 1778 two young publishers tapped a previously undiscovered market with the launch of a series entitled Gallerie des Modes, which responded to the growing demand among Parisians for fashion news. Initially featuring only hairstyles, the series’ illustrations were later extended to include complete outfits to cater to its audience. These showed figures from head to toe. All ranks of French society were represented in a wide variety of fashionable clothes, from the simple negligée 1 to the robe à la polonaise 2 3, the robe à l’anglaise 4 and the occasional smart gentleman’s suit.
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