Modebild, 1875, (E.755) 1875

Auguste Tilly created ‘Modebild’ in 1875, a portrait which captures the fashion of the time. This image offers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century bourgeois women. The subject’s elaborate hat adorned with flowers and ribbons, along with her ruffled collar and bow, speak to the era’s emphasis on ornamentation and outward appearance. Consider how fashion was deeply intertwined with identity, particularly for women, during this period. What does it mean to perform such femininity? The woman is presented in profile, a traditional pose which lends her an air of classical beauty. Yet, there’s also a sense of constraint in her poised demeanor, reflecting the limited roles available to women in society. The pressure to adhere to certain standards of beauty and behavior was immense, and this image subtly hints at the complexities of navigating those expectations. ‘Modebild’ thus serves as a mirror reflecting not only the aesthetic tastes, but also the social codes that shaped women’s lives during the late 19th century.