Twee dames in toilettes de ville en mode voor thuis 1855

This lithograph was made by Paul Gavarni, a French artist, during the Second Empire. It depicts two women, one seated and one standing, dressed in elaborate gowns. The title translates to "Fashions: City and Home Dresses." Gavarni made a name for himself through his satirical depictions of Parisian life. This image, while seemingly innocent, speaks volumes about the social expectations placed on women of the time. Their clothing, even in the domestic sphere, was a marker of status and adherence to societal norms. The fact that these are "city and home dresses" suggests a carefully constructed performance of femininity, both in public and private. To fully understand Gavarni's work, one must delve into the fashion magazines and etiquette manuals of the period, examining the ideals they promoted and the social anxieties they reflected. The historian's role is to unpack these layers of meaning, revealing the complex interplay between art, fashion, and social control.