Etiquette, like clothing, distinguished the nobility from the lesser classes in France. However, the wealthy bourgeoisie found it easy to buy their way through this class barrier. In fact, once the bourgeoisie were able to refine their manners they enjoyed proving that they were more adept at it then the nobility were. Indeed, some of the bourgeoisie did outshine the nobility for some truly adhered to the dictates of etiquette and coupled them with the true bourgeoisie attitudes of frugality and prudence. However, for the social climbing bourgeoisie refinement was a good investment - the illusion of nobility could be easily fortified through wealth, but etiquette was almost as good as ancestry.

Etiquette for Gentlemen When at a Ball The Promenade Dining At the cercle *Image taken from Aresty

 

 

Etiquette for Ladies When at a Ball The Promenade Dining At the salon *Image taken from Lacroix

 

 

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