Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 2 décembre 1883, 12e annee, No. 622: Jupons & Corsets (...) 1883

P. Deferneville created this print on December 2nd, 1883, for the "Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille," showcasing contemporary fashion designs. Immediately, our attention is drawn to the intricate layering and textural contrasts. The woman on the left, in a deep blue ensemble, presents a study in curvilinear forms, where the puffed sleeves and draped skirt create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. In contrast, the figure to the right offers a more linear composition, with the verticality of the brown dress disrupted by the white overcoat, creating a structured, almost architectural silhouette. The composition is formally divided, yet connected through the shared ground and subtle mirroring of poses. This duality could be interpreted as reflecting the shifting roles and representations of women during this era, where tradition and modernity coalesce, mirroring the complex social fabric of the time. Note how the artist contrasts the textures of the fabrics with the flatness of the print, pushing the boundaries of representation and challenging our perceptions of form and surface.