Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, May 9, 1799.
“Chapeau Cannelé, Paille et Soie.”
One of the things I love about Costume Parisien prints is the artistry — in the design, the engraving, and the hand-coloring, especially in the first 10 years or so of publication. Faces are particularly well done, as here. We don’t know the artist who designed this print, though it has a style similar to designs of Carle Vernet. The engraver, Pierre Baquoy, has signed the print. He was a frequent engraver for this magazine from 1797 through 1827.
The dress is quite simple, very much in the neo-classical style. The only ornamentation is the pink trimming at the hem and the sleeves. The skirt clearly has a long train, which the model holds up.
The bodice almost appears to be transparent, over a white underdress. As with many early French prints, there is a hint of nipple, something one would never see in a British print.
The only description provided, both in the text below the print and in the brief description in the magazine, is of the hat. It is called a ribbed hat of straw and satin, and is tied under the chin. It’s an unusual hat, similar to a toque.
