Achterzijde van een jurk voor een uitknippop 1825 - 1875

This is an undated paper doll dress, its maker remains unknown. Paper dolls like this one, were often used in the 19th century to teach girls about fashion, social etiquette, and gender roles. Looking at the back of this dress, we see the attention to detail given to the elaborate folds and embellishments. The emphasis on appearance reflects the societal expectations placed on women. They were expected to embody certain ideals of beauty and domesticity. The doll is anonymous, a stand-in for any girl who might dream of high society. The disembodied quality reminds us that these figures exist primarily as objects of display. The doll's identity is constructed through external elements. We might consider how it feels to be defined by one's clothing and presentation. It's a poignant reminder of the constraints and expectations. This little paper object reflects the broader cultural forces shaping women's identities in the 19th century.