Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, March 6, 1803.
“Castor à Poil Ras. Habit Amazône en Drap.”
Although I love seeing prints of riding habits, this one is somewhat awkwardly drawn. Both the horse and the lady seem a bit off in terms of scale.
However, we do get to see that back of a habit, which is always useful. It is made of blue wool broadcloth. The habit jacket is unbuttoned and open in the front. The back shows a bit of a peplum, which was always a feature of a lady’s habit. We cannot see the habit shirt. There is a hint of a train, but not as long a one as we typically see at this time. (Compare it to this habit of the same year.)
The hat is a short-haired beaver hat in a masculine style. This is one of the few prints that show a chin strap, which would have been a feature of any style of hat worn with a habit to keep it on snugly while riding fast.
The fold across the center of the print means that the magazine was mailed to a subscriber. All mailed copies were folded in half.
