Het Toilet, 15 october 1878, No. 4 1878

This print, Het Toilet, created on October 15, 1878, by E. Thirion, presents us with a study in contrasts and symmetries, focusing on the structure of fashionable attire. The composition is neatly divided, showcasing two figures in distinct yet complementary styles. On the left, the dress features a dense, horizontally banded pattern of dark fabric, juxtaposed with rich golden lace. To the right, a lighter dress with a vertically striped pattern offers a stark contrast. The artist uses line and pattern to guide the eye, creating a dynamic interplay between the figures. The setting, a garden terrace, serves merely as a backdrop, emphasizing the dresses themselves as the primary subject. Thirion masterfully manipulates texture, using fine lines to mimic the tactile qualities of lace and fabric. This print exemplifies how clothing design, much like art, is a complex interplay of form and function, reflecting societal norms and aspirations.