Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, 15 Novembre 1872, No. 1095B 1872

This fashion plate comes to us from Paris in 1872, drawn by Jules David for *Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles*. It's a lithograph, meaning it's printed from a flat stone surface, a relatively recent technology at the time. Look closely, and you'll see the material extravagance of the period rendered in meticulous detail. The ruffles, bows, ribbons, and elaborate ornamentation speak volumes about the skill of the dressmakers, milliners, and other artisans who made such ensembles possible. The image is not just about aesthetics, it's about labor, social class, and consumption. These dresses represent a highly stratified system of production, with teams of specialized workers producing luxury goods for an elite clientele. Consider the sheer amount of work involved in creating even one of these gowns. Appreciating this image fully means acknowledging not only the artistry of Jules David, but also the labor of the many anonymous makers who brought these fashions to life. It's a reminder that even seemingly frivolous images can carry significant social and economic weight.