Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 30 mai 1880, 9e année, No. 439: Savons de la Parfumerie Ninon (...) 1880

This print by E. Cheffer, titled 'Revue de la Mode,' was made in 1880. Immediately, one is struck by the delicate use of line and colour to depict the ornate dresses of the period, set against a backdrop of soft foliage. The composition is divided vertically, mirroring the two figures, yet unified by a subtle colour palette of pastels and creams. The artist employs a structural contrast between the rigid verticality of the architectural elements and the fluid, curvilinear forms of the dresses. These shapes are further accentuated by the detailed lacework and floral arrangements, which serve as semiotic markers of femininity and status. The print operates as a sign system, where each element—from the fan to the cut of the dress—communicates social codes. The careful rendering of texture, particularly in the lace, not only showcases the skill of the artisan but also invites us to consider how such intricate detailing reflects the values of a society preoccupied with appearances. Ultimately, the work becomes an aesthetic and cultural artifact, where form and fashion intersect to reveal broader social narratives.