Portret van Marguerite Ligerot before 1889

This is the front page of the journal Le Parnasse, published in Paris in September 1881. It was a literary journal that featured the winners of writing competitions. The journal reflects the social and cultural landscape of late 19th-century France. The titles of the poems and committee members suggest the values and tastes of the Parisian literary establishment. Take, for example, the titles "La Gondole" or "Le Lac." The Parnasse was an institution with its own hierarchy, evident in the listing of committee members and contest winners. The presence of women, as in the portrait of Mlle Ligerot, is notable, given the limited opportunities for women in the arts at the time. The journal’s design, with its formal typography and structured layout, reflects the period’s aesthetic. To understand the significance of Le Parnasse, one might look at the history of literary salons in Paris, the role of journals in shaping public opinion, and the social status of writers and artists. By examining these sources, we can better appreciate the journal’s place in the cultural life of its time.