Heures Du Soir. Portrait from Les Dix-huit Heures d'une Parisienne c. 1830

Achille Devéria made this print called “Evening Hours” as part of a series depicting a Parisian woman's daily life. This image presents a snapshot of bourgeois life in 19th-century France, reflecting the era's obsession with fashion, leisure, and social rituals. The attire and accessories create meaning through the visual codes of wealth and status. The woman’s dress is adorned with lace, ribbons, and flowers, and her jewelry indicates a life of privilege and refinement. The carefully arranged interior creates an image of domesticity and private life. The print, with its ornate details, speaks to the period's emphasis on aesthetics and the performance of social roles. Understanding this print requires researching the fashion trends, social norms, and artistic conventions of 19th-century Parisian society. Through such investigation, the image comes to life as more than just a pretty picture. It becomes a window into a specific historical and cultural context.