Le Musée des Tailleurs illustré, 1869, Nr. 7 : Journal donnant les Modes de Paris (...) 1869

This fashion plate, made in 1869 by an anonymous artist, presents an array of sartorial elegance through lithography. The lithographic technique allows for a detailed capture of the textures and patterns of the garments. Notice the composition: figures are arranged in a horizontal line, almost like specimens in a display case. This layout emphasizes the lines, shapes and forms of the clothes and the structure of the fashionable silhouette. Each figure is carefully posed, showcasing the cut and drape of the fabric. The subtle tonal gradations—achieved through the lithographic process—add depth and volume to the forms. The emphasis on form and structure in this image reflects a broader cultural interest in the semiotics of dress. Clothing here becomes a signifier, communicating messages about social status, gender roles, and cultural values. The lithograph challenges fixed meanings, suggesting the ways in which fashion can be both a reflection of and a departure from societal norms. By emphasizing the formal qualities of dress, the artwork invites us to consider how clothing functions as a system of visual communication.