27e Cahier, 21e Suite, CC.157

Fashion plate showing a woman in a green dress and a man in a blue suit.

Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 27e Cahier de Costumes Français. 21e Suite d'Habillemens à la mode, en 1779. CC.157
ca. 1779
Designed by Pierre-Thomas Le Clerc (French, Paris 1740–1796); engraved by Nicholas Dupin (French, act. 1776–89)
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

 

The Debutant
At once demonstrating her piety and announcing her official entry into society, the woman shown here is collecting alms for the poor during Sunday Mass in the Royal Chapel at Versailles. This was an activity performed by wealthy debutantes in the presence of the king and queen, which is the reason for the formal court dress she wears. Her male companion likewise appears in a formal ensemble made of luxurious materials.

Inscription
English: "Young lady who collects alms: she is dressed in a court gown, of pekin silk, trimmed with gauze interlaced with ribbons and garlands of flowers. The one who accompanies her is dressed in a coat of Gros de Naples silk, embroidered all around with sequins of every color."

French: "Jeune Dame qui quête; elle est vêtue d'une robe de Cour, de Pekin, garnie de gaze entrelassée de rubans et de guirlandes de fleurs. Celui qui la conduit est vêtu d'un habit de Gros de Naples, brodé autour en pailletes de toutes coulrs."