La Né d'une Modiste, 1828 : Chap. XI: Il ne vient point ? c. 1828

Gottfried Engelmann created this lithograph, La Né d'une Modiste, in 1828. The image presents us with a woman looking out expectantly from a modest dwelling. The caption poses a question: "Is he not coming?" inviting us to consider her situation. Engelmann was a key figure in popularizing lithography, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. In 19th-century France, prints like these circulated widely, shaping perceptions of social life and class distinctions. This image reflects the social realities of Parisian life, hinting at the precariousness of young working women. Is she awaiting a lover or perhaps a client? The ambiguity is telling. To fully understand this image, we might explore sources such as popular novels, fashion plates, and records of Parisian trades. These can reveal the complex social codes and economic pressures that shaped the lives and loves of women like her. Art like this serves as a window into the past, revealing the contingent and constructed nature of social roles.