6e Cahier, F.31
Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 6e Cahier de Modes Françaises pour les Coeffures, despuis 1776. F.31
ca. 1778
Designer unknown
Hand-colored engraving
Approx. 11 1/2 × 17 in. (29.2 × 43.2 cm)
Frick Art Research Library; Gift of Melinda Martin Sullivan, 2016
Image Frick Digital Studio
Pouf of the Day
A pouf is a towering coiffure composed variously of wire, gauze, pomatum (a styling ointment), and often false hair mixed with the wearer's own hair. Poufs could be inspired by contemporary events, such as when the French frigate La Junon captured the British Navy's Fox in 1778 (top left image), and at times they took playful names, such as the hérisson (hedgehog) style (top right image).
Inscription
English: "New hairstyle called The Frigate la Junon; Hérisson in a new style decorated with feathers, flowers, and ribbons with tassels; 'Knight's Cross' bun topped with a bonnet with a kerchief edged with pearls; Bun tied in three parts, topped with a bonnet with a kerchief."
French: "Nouvelle Coëffure dite la Frégate la Junon; Hérisson d'un nouveau gout orné de plumes fleurs et rubans avec des glands; Chignon en Croix de Chevalier surmonté d'un Bonnet au fichu bordé de perles; Chignon noué en trois parts, surmonté d'un Bonnet au fichu."