Journal de la Mode et du Goût, Quatrième Cahier, 25 Mars 1790, March 25, 1790
Hand-colored engraving; engraved musical score; letterpressexpand_more
The Minnich Collection The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund, 1966expand_more P.15,463-P.15,466
Not on Viewexpand_more
Before the Church was legally dismantled, the press— including fashion magazines―undermined its reputation. One issue attacks a priest for his unholy loves of fashion and women while his privileged occupation lets him skirt new military requirements.
From February 1790, religious occupations and vestments were increasingly outlawed. The text identifies the woman on the left as a former nun. She returns to society without her habit, wearing instead a white linen gown like a “priestess of Vesta,” ancient Roman goddess of the hearth. Her unusual “coiffure à la Passion” hairstyle reveals her emotional state: five curls that form a half crown in back (according to the text) refer to Jesus’s sorrowful final moments when he endured five wounds, one sustained as enemies mockingly imposed a crown of thorns on his head. Does the patriotic woman beside the former nun similarly mock her'
Details
- Title
- Journal de la Mode et du Goût, Quatrième Cahier, 25 Mars 1790
- Artist Life
- 1760–1837
- Role
- Author
- Accession Number
- P.15,463-P.15,466
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Colas 1557
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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