Staande dame met waaier - Pierre Thomas Le Clerc

A refined eighteenth-century fashion study by Pierre Thomas Le Clerc, capturing the elaborate silhouette and accessories of a French noblewoman.

This drawing by Pierre Thomas Le Clerc captures the aesthetic sensibilities of late eighteenth-century French fashion. The subject is a woman depicted in profile, wearing a voluminous gown characteristic of the period, complete with a wide skirt and a structured bodice. Her elaborate hairstyle, adorned with a hat and floral elements, reflects the height of fashion during the reign of Louis XVI. She holds a fan, a common accessory for women of the era, which adds a sense of poise to her posture.

Le Clerc employs a delicate technique using pen and brown ink, supplemented by grey wash to suggest volume and shadow within the folds of the fabric. The lines are precise, demonstrating the artist's skill in rendering textile textures and the specific silhouettes of the time. The composition is clean, focusing entirely on the figure against a plain background, which allows the viewer to examine the details of the costume without distraction.

As an illustrator, Le Clerc was known for his ability to document the rapidly changing styles of the Parisian elite. This work functions as a visual record of the sartorial choices that defined the upper classes in the years preceding the French Revolution. The use of wash provides a subtle depth, giving the figure a three-dimensional quality while maintaining the lightness associated with the Rococo style. The drawing is framed by a simple ink border, a common practice for works intended for study or inclusion in a portfolio. This piece offers a glimpse into the social rituals and fashion culture of the late eighteenth century, presented with the clarity and technical proficiency typical of Le Clerc's graphic output.