Le Papillon, Journal de Modes, juillet 1846 1846

Tony Goutière created "Le Papillon, Journal de Modes, juillet 1846," a print that captures the fashion of the time. This image gives us a peek into the rigid gender roles and class distinctions prevalent in mid-19th century France. The women's attire, with its emphasis on corsets and elaborate embellishments, reflects the period's idealization of femininity as delicate and ornamental. Their dresses are not merely clothing; they are a statement of social status and adherence to cultural norms. The setting, possibly a balcony overlooking a port, hints at the economic activities and global connections that underpinned the lives of the upper class. But consider how these representations may have excluded or marginalized other identities. What stories are not being told here? What perspectives are missing from this vision of feminine elegance? Ultimately, Goutière’s print encourages us to reflect on the complexities of identity, representation, and power in shaping our understanding of the past and present.