Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 25 septembre 1835, (3322): Costumes de petits garçons (...) 1835

This hand-colored engraving, "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 25 septembre 1835," by Jean-Denis Nargeot presents a snapshot of Parisian fashion. The arrangement of the figures creates a rhythmic sequence, leading the eye from left to right. The use of color in this print serves not just to depict, but also to construct a sense of space and hierarchy. A palette of greens, yellows, and blues, set against the stark white of the page, emphasizes the garments and interior. The composition draws attention to the fabric patterns, inviting us to decode their cultural significance as signs of status. Note the table cover, how it spills dramatically. The artist provides a study of surfaces and textures, from the floral wallpaper to the plush sofa. In doing so, Nargeot asks us to engage with the image not just as a record of fashion, but as a semiotic system. It destabilizes any fixed idea of identity and taste.