Dress c. 1936

Jean Peszel created this drawing of a dress in watercolor and graphite sometime in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. Garment designs like this give us a valuable glimpse into the fashion industry and social customs of the time. Looking at the design, one can see a high-waisted empire silhouette, reminiscent of the late 1790s and early 1800s. The attention to detail in the folds and the overall elegance of the dress indicate the importance of fashion in defining social status and identity. France was at the heart of the fashion industry. Fashion magazines flourished, and dressmakers, like Peszel, catered to the sartorial desires of the upper and middle classes. This drawing invites further historical investigation. We could use sources, like fashion plates and journals from the period to see how closely Peszel's design aligns with contemporary trends, and what statements it makes about the wearer. The drawing reminds us that art extends beyond the traditional media and plays a crucial role in reflecting and shaping the societies in which we live.