Journal des Demoiselles, décembre 1843 1843

This print, made by Jacquemin in December 1843 for the Journal des Demoiselles, features two women adorned in the height of early Victorian fashion. The woman standing on the left, in her opulent green cloak, holds a fan. The fan, a seemingly simple accessory, speaks volumes. From ancient China to Renaissance Europe, the fan has been a symbol of status, power, and even secret communication. Think of the elaborate peacock fans of the Qing Dynasty or the delicate lace fans wielded by ladies in portraits by artists such as Boucher. Here, in the hands of this 19th-century woman, it whispers of flirtation and social maneuvering, a silent language of the boudoir. The gesture has been passed down through history, shifting from sacred object to playful tool. Such symbols serve as potent triggers, unlocking a wealth of cultural memory. This image resonates with the past while simultaneously evolving, demonstrating the enduring power of symbols to transcend time and cultural boundaries.