Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, March 6, 1804.
“Habillment d’Amône en Drap.”
I suspect the title beneath the print is misspelled. A horsewomen is often called an “Amazone.” The title is likely supposed to have read “Habillement d’Amazone en Drap.”
This light blue wool habit shows classical male styling. At this time (at least in England and most likely in France, too) ladies’ riding habits were made by male tailors.
The jacket has lapels and the sleeves hang well below the fingers, just as seen in gentlemen’s jackets. The tailoring is exquisite, with lovely seams in the back. The peplum at the back is the only feminine element, one that is almost always present in a lady’s habit jacket. The little frill on the habit shirt provides another small hint of femininity. The skirt is long, meant to be draped over the legs when riding side saddle.
The hat is a form of jackey cap, with the narrow brim turned up in the back.
This print was designed by Carle Vernet, a popular Parisian artist, who was a master at depicting drapery, as in the habit skirt here. The engraver was Pierre Charles Baquoy.
