18th-century French fashion plate from the influential series Galerie des Modes et Costumes Français (1778–1787). The illustration depicts a woman wea

18th-century French fashion plate from the influential series Galerie des Modes et Costumes Français (1778–1787). The illustration depicts a woman wearing a highly elaborate hairstyle known as a pouf, which was popular during the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Fashion Details Hairstyle (Le Pouf): The towering, voluminous hairstyle was a canvas for personal expression in the late 1700s. It was typically created using a combination of the wearer's own hair, false hair, pads, and wire frames, then finished with pomade and powder. Adornments: The style in the image is heavily decorated with a large red and yellow bow, and tall feathers, which were expensive and significant indicators of wealth and social standing. Feathered headdresses were particularly popular, with ostrich plumes being among the most desired. Historical Context: Fashion plates like these were considered accurate representations of the styles seen in Paris and were often drawn from life ("d'après nature") by celebrated artists of the era.

Condition

Used (normal wear)