Plate 398, Modes de Paris (Paris Fashion), Petit Courrier des Dames, Journal des Modes (Little Ladies' Mail, Fashion Journal)

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 1820s fashion with *Plate 398* from *Modes de Paris featured in the *Petit Courrier desames, Journal des Modes*—a chic "Little Ladies' Mail" that buzzed with the latest Parisian trends. Published on July 5, 1826, by London printers Samuel and Joseph Fuller this plate captures the transatlantic allure of French style, as Britain eagerly imported Paris's cutting-edge designs. Fashion plates like this were the Instagram of their day, hand-delivered visual dispatches that democratized high style for ladies across Europe. As part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's costume and accessories collection—gifted by the Cooper Union Library—this artwork highlights the Regency era's shift toward more structured silhouettes, with Paris reigning supreme as the global fashion capital. Fuller's reproductions bridged cultural divides, allowing Englishwomen to mimic empire-waist gowns and intricate accessories at home. Though the exact medium remains under research, such plates typically featured delicate engravings, often hand-colored for vivid appeal, blending artistry with commerce. Imagine flipping through these journals over tea, dreaming of your next ball gown—this plate embodies how fashion fueled social aspiration and international exchange in an age before ready-to-wear. A true snapshot of 19th-century glamour!