Journal des Demoiselles, 1 mars 1893, No. 4927 : Costuems d'enfants (...) 1893

This fashion plate, from the Journal des Demoiselles of March 1893, presents an array of children's costumes, each reflecting the sartorial elegance of the late 19th century. Note the presence of a small dog. The motif of the domestic animal as a symbol of fidelity and companionship has ancient roots. We can trace its presence back to medieval tapestries and Renaissance portraits, where dogs often accompanied noble figures, signifying loyalty and status. Yet, here, the dog’s playful interaction with the children introduces a subtle psychological element. The animal, straining upwards, suggests a yearning for connection. Such gestures tap into our collective memory, evoking a sense of innocence and the primal bond between humans and animals. These emotional resonances are carried across centuries, evolving yet retaining a core humanistic value. The symbol shows us the ever-changing dance between the past and present.