Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1891, Nr. 2744, No. 48 : Costumes d'Enfants (...) 1891

A. Portier's "Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1891, Nr. 2744, No. 48" presents a snapshot of late 19th-century French children’s fashion, reflecting the values and aesthetics of the era. Published in a widely circulated fashion magazine, this print offers a glimpse into the performative aspects of childhood within bourgeois society. The clothing emphasizes the children's roles as symbols of family status. Consider the intricate detailing and the miniature versions of adult styles, which suggest a deliberate effort to mold the children into idealized images. The arrangement of figures invites us to consider gender and class dynamics, with the mother as the central figure, the daughters mirror the mother’s role, and the doll becomes a symbol of the girls' future. The print embodies the social expectations and the material culture that shaped the identities of young girls within a specific historical context. It speaks volumes about the emotional and cultural investments made in crafting an image of childhood.