La Modiste Universelle, octobre 1894, No. 884 1894

This print, *La Modiste Universelle*, was made in October 1894 by Guido Gonin, an artist born in the early 19th century. Here we see a woman adorned with a hat, crowned by feathers. The motif of feathers, especially in headwear, is not new; it hearkens back to ancient times, to the headdresses of indigenous cultures across the globe. These feathers, symbols of flight and spiritual ascension, have undergone a curious transformation. Originally markers of power, connection to the divine and cultural identity, they appear here as mere fashion accessories. This shift from sacred symbol to secular ornament reflects a broader cultural narrative, one where the primal instinct of adornment intertwines with the dictates of fashion. Observe how these feathers, once potent symbols, now serve a purely aesthetic purpose. What does it reveal about the evolution of cultural symbols, about our complex relationship with memory, and the shifting sands of meaning?