Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, 15 Novembre 1872, No. 1105c 1872

This hand-colored engraving by Jules David comes from the Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, dated November 15, 1872. This French fashion plate embodies the aspirations and constraints of upper-class women in the late 19th century. These images were tools through which definitions of femininity were shaped and reinforced, dictating not only styles of dress but also social roles. The elaborate, impractical dresses speak volumes about the expectations placed on women of leisure. Confined by layers of fabric and social norms, they were often reduced to the role of ornamental figures. To understand the significance of such images, we must delve into the fashion industry, the rise of consumer culture, and the limited opportunities available to women at this time. Periodicals like this one are invaluable resources, as are personal letters, diaries, and other archival materials that shed light on the lived experiences of women in 19th-century France. These fashion plates offer a window into a complex and often contradictory world.