A Timeline of French Powder Wigs: 1700-1799
1700: The Birth of the Wig
The French powder wig made its debut in the court of Louis XIV. It was originally called a “perruque” and was worn by both men and women. The wig was made of human hair and was often powdered white to make it more visible.
1750: The Powdered Wig Takes Center Stage
By the mid-18th century, the powdered wig had become a staple of French fashion. It was worn by everyone from the king and queen to the aristocracy and the common people. The wig was so popular that it even spread to other parts of Europe.
1770: The Wig Reaches Its Peak
The French powdered wig reached its peak of popularity in the 1770s. During this time, the wigs became more elaborate and extravagant. They were often decorated with ribbons, feathers, and jewels.
1799: The End of the Wig
The French Revolution marked the end of the powdered wig. The wig was seen as a symbol of aristocracy and was therefore abandoned by the revolutionaries. The wig never regained its former popularity and eventually disappeared from fashion.
The Social and Cultural Significance of French Powder Wigs
The French powdered wig was more than just a fashion statement. It was also a symbol of social and cultural status. The size and elaborateness of a wig indicated the wearer’s wealth and position. Wigs were also used to convey messages and to create a desired effect.
Status Symbols
The size and elaborateness of a French powdered wig was a clear indication of the wearer’s wealth and status. The larger and more elaborate the wig, the higher the wearer’s social standing. Wigs were also used to distinguish between different social classes.
Fashion Statements
French powdered wigs were also used as fashion statements. The shape, style, and color of a wig could be used to create a desired effect. For example, a white wig was often worn by women to convey innocence and purity. A black wig was worn by men to convey seriousness and authority.
Communication Tools
French powdered wigs were also used as communication tools. The way a wig was powdered could convey a message. For example, a wig that was heavily powdered was often used to convey sexual availability. A wig that was lightly powdered was often used to convey modesty.
The Construction of French Powder Wigs
French powdered wigs were made from a variety of materials, including human hair, animal hair, and vegetable fibers. The hair was often dyed, bleached, and powdered to achieve the desired color and texture. The wig was then assembled on a mold and secured with wire or thread.
The Materials
The most common material used to make French powdered wigs was human hair. Human hair was considered to be the best quality hair because it was strong and durable. However, human hair was also expensive, so animal hair and vegetable fibers were often used as substitutes.
The Construction
French powdered wigs were constructed on a mold. The mold was made of wood or metal and was shaped to fit the head of the wearer. The hair was then attached to the mold using wire or thread. The wig was then trimmed and shaped to the desired style.
The Powdering
The final step in the construction of a French powdered wig was the powdering. The wig was powdered with a white powder made from starch or flour. The powder was applied with a puff or a brush. The powdering process helped to set the style of the wig and to make it more visible.
The Maintenance of French Powder Wigs
French powdered wigs required a great deal of maintenance. The wigs had to be washed, powdered, and combed on a regular basis. The wigs were also susceptible to damage from heat and moisture.
The Washing
French powdered wigs were washed in a solution of water and soap. The wigs were then rinsed and dried. The wigs were never washed with hot water, as this could damage the hair.
The Powdering
French powdered wigs were powdered with a white powder made from starch or flour. The powder was applied with a puff or a brush. The powdering process helped to set the style of the wig and to make it more visible.
The Combing
French powdered wigs were combed with a fine-toothed comb. The combing process helped to remove tangles and to keep the hair smooth. The wigs were never combed with a brush, as this could damage the hair.
The Damage
French powdered wigs were susceptible to damage from heat and moisture. The wigs could be damaged by exposure to direct sunlight, heat from fireplaces, and moisture from rain or sweat. The wigs could also be damaged by insects and rodents.
The Legacy of French Powder Wigs
The French powdered wig is a legacy of the extravagance and excess of the 18th century. The wig is a reminder of a time when social status and fashion were closely intertwined. The wig is also a testament to the skill and artistry of the wigmakers who created them.
The legacy of the French powdered wig is still visible today. The wig is still worn by actors and actresses in period dramas. The wig is also used by some subcultures, such as the Steampunk community. The wig is a reminder of a time gone by, but it is also a symbol of creativity and style.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the French powdered wig?
The French powdered wig was a symbol of social and cultural status. It was also used as a fashion statement and as a communication tool.
- What was the French powdered wig made of?
The French powdered wig was made from a variety of materials, including human hair, animal hair, and vegetable fibers.
- How was the French powdered wig constructed?
The French powdered wig was constructed on a mold. The hair was then attached to the mold using wire or thread. The wig was then trimmed and shaped to the desired style.
- How was the French powdered wig maintained?
The French powdered wig required a great deal of maintenance. The wigs had to be washed, powdered, and combed on a regular basis. The wigs were also susceptible to damage from heat and moisture.
- What is the legacy of the French powdered wig?
The French powdered wig is a legacy of the extravagance and excess of the 18th century. The wig is a reminder of a time when social status and fashion were closely intertwined. The wig is also a testament to the skill and artistry of the wigmakers who created them.
- Is the French powdered wig still worn today?
The French powdered wig is still worn by actors and actresses in period dramas. The wig is also used by some subcultures, such as the Steampunk community. The wig is a reminder of a time gone by, but it is also a symbol of creativity and style.
Conclusion
The French powdered wig is a fascinating example of the extravagance and excess of the 18th century. The wig is a reminder of a time when social status and fashion were closely intertwined. The wig is also a testament to the skill and artistry of the wigmakers who created them.
The legacy of the French powdered wig is still visible today. The wig is still worn by actors and actresses in period dramas. The wig is also used by some subcultures, such as the Steampunk community. The wig is a reminder of a time gone by, but it is also a symbol of creativity and style.