Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, October 15, 1806.
“Habit Gris foncé. Culotte Cotelée. Bottes à Revers.”
This young gentleman shows some influence of the Incroyables, but by this time those influences — the exaggerated elements — were now part of the mainstream of gentleman’s fashion. This fellow does, though, sport the popular Incroyable hairstyle called “dog ears,” where the hair falls long in front of the ears. Even this hairstyle, though, was likely more mainstream by 1806.
His coat is dark gray, likely wool, and double-breasted. The buttons, and button holes, crawl up the chest all the way to the shoulders. This is a style that continues for another 10 years or so. The sleeves are set low on the shoulder and somewhat puffed. They reach down to almost completely cover the hand, with no defined cuff. This is also a French affectation that is seen throughout the Empire period. He wears what looks to be a fob and a key that hang below the coat’s waist.
His waistcoat is white. His white shirt is ruffled with a high collar wrapped in a neckcloth.
His breeches are ribbed, with buttons and ties below the knee. They also have pockets. His top boots have a very long turn-down, and we can see the loops used to pull the boots on. The brim of his tophat has an exaggerated curve. He carries a rustic walking stick.
If you think his head looks too small for his body, you are right. Prints from this magazine from late 1806 through early 1808 often show heads that are too small, on both men and women. They must have used new artists during this time.
