Plate 51, Costume Parisien (Parisian Costume), Journal des Dames et des Modes (Journal of Ladies and Fashion)

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of early 19th-century Parisian fashion with *Plate 51, Costume Parisien* from the *Journal des Dames des Modes*, created by acclaimed French artist Carle Vern in 1807. Vernet, renowned for his paintings of horses and military scenes (1758–6), lent his masterful draftsmanship to this prestigious fashion journal, one of the first to feature hand-colored lithographic plates that captured the latest trends with vivid realism. This plate, part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection (gift of Cooper Union Library), exemplifies the medium of costume and accessories illustration, blending artistry with commercial appeal. Published during the Napoleonic Empire, when Paris reigned supreme as the global fashion capital, the *Journal* disseminated high-society styles to an international audience, influencing wardrobes from Europe to America. Empire-era designs emphasized neoclassical silhouettes—high waists, flowing fabrics, and accessories evoking ancient Greece and Rome—reflecting post-Revolutionary aspirations for grandeur and refinement. Vernet's precise lines and attention to fabric texture brought these ephemeral garments to life, making fashion accessible and aspirational. Today, this plate offers a window into cultural history, highlighting how visual media democratized style and shaped social identity. Though research continues, it remains a treasured artifact of sartorial innovation in the Smithsonian's Costume & Accessories department.