Les Modes Parisiennes, 1856, No. 698 : Robes de la Maison (...) 1856

This print, ‘Les Modes Parisiennes, 1856,’ by A. Portier, showcases dresses from the Maison Delisle, captured through a lithographic process. Lithography, unlike traditional engraving, relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The design is drawn onto a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then the surface is wetted. Ink adheres only to the greasy areas, allowing for the transfer of the image to paper. This process enabled the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of detailed images, perfectly suited to disseminating fashion trends to a wider audience. The dresses themselves, with their elaborate tiers and delicate floral embellishments, speak to the rise of consumer culture in the mid-19th century. The print not only displays the finished product but also hints at the labor-intensive processes of textile production and dressmaking, reflecting the complex interplay between artistry, industry, and consumption. By focusing on the materiality and making of this print, we gain insight into the social and economic forces shaping Parisian fashion and society at the time.