Magasin des Demoiselles, décembre 1871 : Machine la Silencieus (...) 1871

Editor: This is an interesting find. "Magasin des Demoiselles, décembre 1871: Machine la Silencieuse (...)" by J. Desjardins, created in 1871. It's a drawing in ink and what seems to be coloured pencil on paper. It reminds me of a fashion plate, but what strikes me is the contrast between the elaborate dresses and the sewing machine in the background. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: What fascinates me here is how the artist intertwines fashion, technology, and female labor in this specific historical moment. The sewing machine, “la Silencieuse,” is prominently displayed. Consider the material reality of these dresses. The drawing highlights not just their aesthetic appeal but implies the vast industry and labour needed to create them. This was mass culture that required specific conditions for creation. Editor: So, it's not just about beautiful dresses; it’s about the process that brought them to life. What's interesting is, who would have been operating this machine? Curator: Precisely. This period saw a rise in garment production, much of it still relying on female labour, often under exploitative conditions. This image presents an opportunity to discuss class, labor, and the changing role of women during the late 19th century. Editor: It reframes the entire artwork; it gives new depth to something that at first glance looked quite superficial. Curator: It really makes you think about who is left out of the picture entirely – the person operating that machine! Editor: That’s a very important point! Thinking about the materiality and the production behind it adds another dimension to viewing fashion from this era. Thank you!