Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1861, No. 645 : Toilettes de Mme Bernard (...) 1861

J. Bonnard made this print, ‘Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1861, No. 645’, using engraving and hand coloring. This image of two well-dressed women gives us some insight into the fashion of the French Second Empire, but it also speaks to the cultural role of fashion magazines in shaping social norms. The title itself, ‘The Fashion Monitor,’ suggests the disciplinary function of these publications. The elegant dresses and leisurely setting reflect the values of the haute bourgeoisie under Napoleon III. What might seem like innocent depictions of beautiful dresses were actually carefully constructed images that promoted a culture of consumerism and class aspiration. To understand this print fully, historians consult fashion plates, periodicals, and social commentaries from the time. Through this, we can understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society in 19th-century France.