La Mode Pratique, 1896, No. 40, 5e année : Jupe en lainage gaufré (...) 1896

This print, titled "La Mode Pratique, 1896, No. 40, 5e année," was created by Fortier-Marotte. Its overall impact is structured by a play of geometric shapes. Look at how the skirt flares out in a clean, conical form, starkly contrasted by the puffed sleeves and the ornamented bodice, creating an hourglass figure. The dress is rendered in muted blues with hatching to add depth. The lines of the umbrella in the subject’s left hand, as well as the lines used to create the folds in the garment, are all examples of how the artist uses line to create form and volume. Note the stark angles of the hat, contrasting with the softness of the dress fabric. This visual language transcends mere representation; it communicates the ideals of the era. The print challenges fixed notions of feminine beauty, presenting an image constructed through line, shape, and form, inviting ongoing interpretations of its cultural meaning.