Children’s wear of this period often mirrored adult
fashions. The girl’s hat, adorned with a bouquet of white
plumes — an emblem of Henry IV of France — was inspired
by costumes worn at Louis XVI’s court balls honoring
Henry IV’s reign. The girl holds a fashion doll (called
a pandora or poupée) dressed in a miniature version of
the latest fashion sent by dressmakers to their clients as
design models.
Designed by Pierre-Thomas Le Clerc (French, Paris 1740–1796), engraved by Charles Emmanuel (Jean Baptiste) Patas (French, Paris 1744–1802), Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 32e. Cahier de Costumes Français. 25e. Suite d'Habillemens à la mode en 1780. HH.190, ca. 1780.
Text from: Ruffles & Ribbons: Fashion Plates from the Time of Marie Antoinette. © 2026 The Frick Collection.