7e Cahier, 1ere Suite, G.41

Fashion plate showing a woman selling garments.

Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 7e Cahier des Costumes français. 1ere Suite d'Habillemens de Femmes à la mode. G.41
ca. 1778
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

 

Fashion Merchant
Fashion merchants were predominantly working-class women who often wore the costly fashions they hoped to sell. Such public exposure subjected the merchants to moral scrutiny. The merchant pictured here carries a box of her wares while wearing a taffeta hood that protects her pouf, as well as silk mittens and a bracelet, also for sale.

Inscription
English: "Fashion merchant carrying merchandise in town." 

French: "Marchande de modes portant la marchandise en ville."