Bust Of Woman With “giraffe” Hairstyle, Circa 1830

Women's fashion from the Romantic period is characterized by great refinement of hairstyles and hats.

The women thus wear on their heads a scaffolding of shells, curls and braids, sometimes topped with a comb. Current events often influence fashion and, in 1827, when the giraffe Zarafa, offered by the Viceroy of Egypt Méhémet Ali to Charles grabs the costume and accessories. The so-called “giraffe” hairstyles and combs, remarkable for their height, enjoyed great success during the three years that followed. This comb decorated with peacock feathers and clovers, which evoke the trimmings of hats and turbans of the time, is a majestic example.

Terracotta
France circa 1830

Width: 40 cm. Depth: 29 cm. Height: 44 cm.