Société des journaux de modes Réunis 1886 : Costumes d'Enfants (...) c. 1886

This print, titled "Société des journaux de modes Réunis 1886 : Costumes d'Enfants", presents children in fashionable attire, engaged in leisure by a stream, rendered in delicate detail. Notice how the children are arranged; they're not merely wearing clothes, they're embodying a dance of social roles, reflecting the aspirations of their time. These bows, frills and hats are more than mere ornamentation; they echo motifs found throughout art history in depictions of nobility and high social status. Observe how the children interact with nature. One boy is fishing, evoking an ancient symbol of patience and provision, also seen in Egyptian art. Another boy is standing on a rock. It may seem a simple act, but the rock itself can be seen as an emblem of stability, echoing the imagery of saints and apostles standing firm in their faith. These symbolic resonances transcend time, connecting this seemingly simple fashion plate to a deeper, collective memory.