Women in Reflection: Appearances and Imaginaries – Exploring Self-Image at the Cognacq-Jay Museum

When we think of women from the past, we often picture elegant dresses with petticoats, an array of accessories, and high heels... But was that really how they looked? And did they see themselves in that way? The Cognacq-Jay Museum, in collaboration with the Palais Galliera, offers a fascinating glimpse into female representations in the 18th century, from March 25 to September 20, 2026.

The exhibition Women in Reflection: Faces and Fantasies offers a thought-provoking contrast between two perspectives: the societal expectations imposed on women and the way they chose to present themselves.

The exhibition’s itinerary creates a dialogue between fashion and textile pieces, set against a backdrop of paintings and drawings from the Enlightenment era. The history of clothing is thus closely intertwined with the social history of the period, reflecting the rules and constraints imposed on women. Confronted with these silhouettes, visitors encounter portraits and scenes depicting aristocrats and the upper bourgeoisie: here, women are portrayed in a flattering manner, in line with the beauty standards of the time. Any imperfections could be easily erased with a quick brushstroke...

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The collections of both museums resonate and complement each other in this journey that challenges our perception of femininity and explores the role of women in 18th-century society. The costumes and paintings depict the fashions, styles, tastes, but also the expectations and beauty standards that women of high society were required to adhere to.

But what did women make of all this? How did they experience these imposed restrictions, and how did they perceive themselves? Behind the pressures of society, there are always individuals who refuse to conform—whether by choice or circumstance.

This exhibition at the Cognaq-Jay Museum promises to be truly captivating, exploring the history of clothing during the Age of Enlightenment, its influence on societal customs and traditions, as well as the role of women in the 18th century. It also delves into how femininity and self-image were shaped in a period marked by strict social norms and elaborate corsetry.