Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1846, No. 118 : Toilettes de la Maison (...) 1846

Jean-Baptiste Réville created this print, "Le Moniteur de la Mode," in 1846, capturing the styles of Parisian fashion. Here, we observe two women adorned in the height of elegance, standing beside a table displaying fashionable accessories. The parasol, casually held by the figure on the right, serves as more than a mere shield from the sun; it speaks volumes about the era's ideals of femininity. The delicate lace and ribbon embellishments on their dresses echo symbols of status, and refinement reminiscent of earlier eras. Consider, for instance, how the parasol is echoed by the classical Roman umbraculum, itself an emblem of power and prestige. Here, though, its significance has been subtly transformed. The parasol has become a key tool in the performance of femininity, reflecting how symbols and gestures recur through time, shifting in significance, embodying a cultural memory that shapes our perception. This image, therefore, not only presents fashion, but also engages with our subconscious understanding of social roles, sparking a connection across centuries.