Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 18 juillet 1880, 9e année, No. 446: Toilettes de Mme Bazin (...) 1880

This fashion plate by A. Chaillot, printed on Sunday, July 18, 1880, for the "Revue de la Mode," showcases the height of Parisian elegance. Observe the rose adorning the hair of the figure to the left, a floral motif that echoes throughout art history, from Botticelli's Venus to countless portraits symbolizing beauty, love, and even transience. The rose, deeply rooted in mythology and religious symbolism, transcends mere decoration; it embodies complex emotions and cultural values. Recall the "rosa mystica," the mystical rose, emblem of the Virgin Mary, and consider how this sacred association subtly informs our perception of feminine virtue and grace. Here, its appearance on a fashion plate marks a transition from the religious to the secular, yet the underlying symbolism of beauty and purity persists. This appropriation and evolution of symbols demonstrate the enduring power of images, reflecting our collective unconscious and shaping our understanding of the world. The rose, in its varied incarnations, is a testament to the cyclical nature of cultural memory.