Le Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, octobre 1859, No. 577 : Edition Belge. Toilettes de la Maison R. Lhopiteau 1859

J. Bonnard created this print for the Belgian Edition of "Le Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles" in October 1859. The scene is dominated by the display of women's fashion, each dress telling its own story through the cut, color, and trim of the garment. Note the central figure, adorned in a wedding gown with a delicate veil. The veil, a symbol of purity and modesty, has ancient roots, seen in Roman times as a protective barrier against evil spirits. The dress is strikingly similar to one worn by the bride in Jan van Eyck’s "Arnolfini Portrait" from 1434, where the dress symbolizes her role in the sacrament of marriage. Across time, the weight and symbolic power of the bridal veil have evolved, yet its essence remains. From ancient rituals to modern-day ceremonies, this seemingly simple piece of fabric continues to engage us on a deep, subconscious level.