Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, 15 Novembre 1872, No. 1085B 1872

This print, made by Jules David in 1872, captures the fashionable silhouette through delicate line work and subtle washes of color. The composition is dominated by two figures whose elaborate dresses display the artistic and industrial innovations of the period. The garment on the left, voluminous and white, cascades with layers of fabric and fringe, creating a play of light and shadow that suggests movement and texture. The figure’s back is turned, which may encourage the viewer to contemplate the artistry of the dressmakers' construction. To the right, the second figure's dress offers a contrast with its pale blue hue and a more structured form. The print invites us to consider not just the beauty of these garments but also the complex semiotic system of fashion and femininity. The arrangement and contrast of elements serve as signs, communicating aspirations, status, and ideals of beauty that are reflective of their time, yet perpetually open to our interpretation.