La Mode Illustrée, 1877, No. 21 : Costumes d'enfants (...) 1877

Jean-Baptiste Réville created this print for La Mode Illustrée in Paris in 1877, showcasing children's fashion from the Grands Magasins du Louvre. The image gives us insight into the world of privileged children during the late 19th century. This print wasn't just about clothes; it was about aspiration, constructed identity, and the burgeoning department store culture. The setting itself - a carefully arranged garden - speaks to a cultivated ideal of leisure and beauty, while the children's activities and interactions hint at social dynamics and expectations. The "Grands Magasins du Louvre," advertised here, were not merely retail spaces but new social institutions that democratized fashion, making it accessible to a wider audience. To fully understand this image, we need to delve into the historical context of French fashion, consumer culture, and the societal roles of children. By consulting fashion history archives, historical newspapers, and studies of consumerism in 19th-century France, we can further decode its visual language and understand its role in shaping social norms.