Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 22 juillet 1883, 12e annee, No. 603: Jupons & Corsets (...) 1883

P. Deferneville produced this print titled “Revue de la Mode” in France, 1883, as a fashion plate. It shows two women modeling the latest styles, juxtaposing outdoor and indoor settings. The image is rich with cultural information. The elaborate dresses, the corsets mentioned in the title, and the very poses of the women speak volumes about the restrictive social expectations placed upon women during this period. The fashion industry and its publications like “Revue de la Mode” played a key role in shaping and reinforcing these expectations. The juxtaposition of the beach scene with an interior suggests different social spheres and the attire appropriate for each, reinforcing class distinctions and expectations of women. For a deeper understanding, look into the history of fashion magazines, the socio-economic conditions of women in 19th-century France, and the broader visual culture of the time, including fashion plates and popular prints. The interpretation of art is always contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created and consumed.