Journal des Demoiselles, juin 1881, No. 4314 : Toilettes & Modes (...) 1881

This is a print from June 1881, titled "Journal des Demoiselles," likely a fashion plate, created by an anonymous artist. The print presents three elegantly dressed women, each exhibiting distinct stylistic choices representative of the period's fashion sensibilities. The composition is structured around the verticality of the figures, contrasted by the horizontal lines of the garden setting. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by muted purples, browns, and grays, which lends a sense of sophistication. The textures are meticulously rendered, from the delicate lace to the subtle patterns of the fabrics. The print operates within a system of signs, where clothing functions as a marker of social identity and status. The meticulous attention to detail and the emphasis on the latest styles reflect the broader cultural values of the time. One may consider how the print challenges or reinforces prevailing notions of femininity and class. Ultimately, this print serves not only as a record of fashion but also as a cultural artifact that reveals the complex interplay between aesthetics, identity, and social structures in late 19th-century France.