Journal des Demoiselles, 1 Juillet 1897, Nr. 5145 : Modes de Paris 1897

This print by P. Deferneville, titled "Journal des Demoiselles, 1 Juillet 1897, Nr. 5145 : Modes de Paris," captures a moment in time with its detailed fashion illustrations, likely created using lithography or a similar reproductive technique. The overall impression is delicate, owing to the soft pastel hues. Notice how the composition is structured around three figures, each presenting a different style of dress. The artist masterfully uses line and texture to convey the rich fabrics and intricate details of each garment. Deferneville engages with contemporary ideas about femininity and representation through an emphasis on sartorial elegance and social presentation. The semiotic system operating here hinges on dress as a signifier of status, taste, and identity. Deferneville's deliberate composition encourages us to reflect on the cultural codes embedded within fashion and its representation in the late 19th century. It is a document that invites continuous interpretation, and reminds us of the evolving relationship between art, fashion, and society.