Musée des Familles, Janvier 1857, No. 4, 8me Année : Modes Vraies, Travail en famille 1857

Jean-Charles-Michel Barreau created this print titled *Musée des Familles* in January 1857, a period defined by strict social hierarchies and gender roles. The image, showcasing "true fashions" and "family work," subtly reinforces prevailing ideals about domesticity and class. The women's elaborate dresses and delicate features emphasize their roles as symbols of wealth and status, while the men are presented as their protectors. Consider the emotional weight of these constructed identities. These garments aren’t just clothing; they're markers of social identity that dictated much of daily life. Moreover, the print tells us a lot about the performative aspect of gender during this time. Men and women were expected to adhere to specific codes of behavior, effectively playing assigned roles within the family and society. The setting, an interior, underscores the confinement of women to the domestic sphere, a space where they were expected to cultivate virtue and manage the household.