La Mode Illustrée, 1883, No. 52 : Toilettes de Mme Bréant-Castel (...) 1883

Charles Rabouille made this print in 1883 for the French fashion magazine, La Mode Illustrée. We see two well-dressed women examining lace; the magazine was dedicated to illustrating the latest trends and styles for its readers. Publications like La Mode Illustrée, which was published from 1860 to 1906, offer us valuable insights into the social and cultural values of the late 19th century. Here, the detailed rendering of the clothing, hairstyles, and accessories, combined with the overall elegance of the scene, reflects the aspirations and ideals of the upper-middle class in France during the Belle Époque. These images catered to a specific demographic and reinforced prevailing notions of femininity and status. To fully understand the significance of this print, one can research the history of fashion magazines, the social dynamics of 19th-century France, and the role of visual media in shaping cultural norms. By analyzing the material culture and institutional contexts, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social life of art.