Journal des Demoiselles, Novembre 1875, No. 4021 : Toilettes du Petit St. Thomas (...) 1875

This print, published in November 1875 in Paris, is a fashion plate for the Journal des Demoiselles. It showcases the latest styles, but look closely, and you'll see more than just fabric and form. Take, for instance, the Paisley shawl worn by the woman on the right. Its teardrop motif isn't merely decorative. Originating in Persia as a symbol of life and fertility, it migrated westward, becoming a fashionable emblem of exoticism and luxury in Europe. This echoes motifs found in ancient Mesopotamian art. Observe how the shawl drapes, obscuring the woman's form yet simultaneously drawing attention to it. This dance between concealment and revelation is echoed in the figure's posture, evoking a sense of mystery and allure. Just as the Venus Pudica modestly shields her body, so too does this woman engage in a subtle game of attraction and discretion. The persistence of these motifs reveals a deep-seated human desire to connect with the past and express timeless emotions through symbols.