888 from Modes de Paris, Journal des Tailleurs 1848

This fashion plate, “888” from the *Modes de Paris, Journal des Tailleurs* (Modes of Paris, Journal of the Tailors), is a charming example of 19th-century fashion illustration. The anonymous artist depicts two fashionable men, one smoking a cigarette, the other holding a walking stick, showcasing the latest trends for gentlemen in 1848. The intricate details, from the patterned pants to the top hats, provide a glimpse into the sartorial elegance of the time. The setting, a countryside scene with a rider on horseback, suggests the leisure activities enjoyed by the upper class in this era. The lithograph, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a window into the world of 19th-century fashion, highlighting the importance of fashion journals in shaping societal norms and trends.