French Fashions: Aspects of Elite Lifestyle in Eighteenth-Century Sweden

Abstract

In eighteenth-century Sweden, the lifestyle of elites was strongly influenced by France and French culture. Indeed, it has been argued that French cosmopolitan culture dominated elite lifestyles throughout eighteenth-century Europe. 1 However, the paradigm of a French Europe has been significantly nuanced by recent scholarship, which stresses the multiculturalism of the eighteenth century. 2 Pierre-Yves Beaurepaire argues that, contrary to what has been affirmed in previous research, Europe did not assimilate to France, but acculturated, negotiated and enriched French influences in local conditions. 3 In Sweden, French influences were especially visible amongst the aristocracy and titled nobility, who considered France as another cultural fatherland. This influence spanned from education and the use of French language in social occasions and correspondence; military and diplomatic careers in France; styles of clothing, architecture and interior decorations; commissioning luxury goods from Paris, and employing French servants.Charlotta Wolff stresses the significance of political alliance between Sweden and France, and Swedish aristocrats' personal interest in France, French language and French culture as key factors in forming close connections between the two countries. 4 Many Swedish aristocrats spent years in 1 Classic studies on French 'radiance' in Europe include Pierre Chaunu, La civilisation de l'Europe des Lumières

Annonsering och försäljning av mode- och skönhetsvaror 1770–1800

“…Liknande händelser hade noterats 14 mars 1770 och 12 juni 1780. 91 Jfr Runefelt 2015;Ilmakunnas 2012;Ilmakunnas 2017. därför även betraktas som en integrerad del av Stockholms växande marknad för mode, nipper och galanterier. Försäljningen av accessoarer och smink, liksom arrangerandet av frisyrer, hattar och håruppsättningar, stimulerades oavbrutet av tidens växande visuella kultur.…”

Comfort in English and Swedish country houses, c.1760–1820

“…Many Swedish nobles served in the French army and the elite traditionally looked to French taste, fashion and luxury goods; many spoke and wrote their personal letters in French. 24 It was only in the later eighteenth century that Sweden, like other countries, came under sway of English taste, although English goods -from scientific instruments to furniture -were imported in growing quantities throughout the eighteenth century.…”