Petit Courrier des Dames, 1822, No. 19 : Robe de tulle traversée et garni (...) 1822

August Delvaux created this print titled "Petit Courrier des Dames" in 1822, a period when fashion plates gained popularity as a means of disseminating Parisian styles across Europe. These images not only showcased clothing but also mirrored the socio-cultural values of the time. Here, we see two women embodying the era's ideal of femininity: delicate, refined, and accomplished in the arts. One is seated at a harp, an instrument associated with elegance and leisure, while the other stands with sheet music, suggesting musical talent. Yet, these images also reflect the constraints placed upon women, who were largely confined to domestic roles and judged on their ability to embody beauty and grace. The intricate details of the dresses, emphasize the importance placed on appearance and status within the upper classes. These plates offer us a glimpse into the constructed identities of women in the 19th century.