La Mode Illustrée ,1869, No. 46: Costumes d'Enfants 1869

This print, made by J. Bonnard in 1869 for *La Mode Illustrée*, shows children enjoying a fashionable outdoor gathering. The basket of fruit carried by the girl in red is not merely a prop; it resonates deeply with ancient symbols of fertility and abundance. The presentation of fruit, reminiscent of offerings to deities, reveals how deeply ingrained such symbols are in our collective consciousness. This echoes classical motifs, where fruit-bearing figures signified prosperity and divine favor. Consider Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit, whose depictions celebrated the life-giving power of nature. Over time, the fruit motif has resurfaced in various forms—from Renaissance still lifes celebrating earthly pleasures, to Impressionist paintings capturing fleeting moments of natural beauty. Its emotional resonance endures, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of primal connections to nature.