Schoolmeisje 1811 - 1873

This is a print titled “Lycéenne” from an unknown year. This image of a schoolgirl tells us a lot about the changing role of women and the burgeoning fashion industry in late 19th century Europe. The girl's outfit resembles a uniform, signaling the rise of institutionalized education for women. The books on her skirt, one of which is titled “Radical”, could hint at the increasing intellectual and political engagement of young women at that time. Yet, at the same time, the print functions as a fashion plate, advertising the latest trends and fabrics. These kinds of images demonstrate the increasing commodification of clothing, and we can better understand the conflicting social messages it conveys by delving into sources such as fashion magazines, educational archives, and social movement manifestos. The history of art gives us the means to understand art as part of a complex social and institutional world.