Le Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, 1857, No. 500, Edition Belge: Modes (...) 1857

J. Bonnard created this print for the Belgian edition of "Le Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles" in 1857. Fashion plates like this are fascinating historical documents. More than simply reflecting contemporary styles, they offer insight into the social roles and aspirations of women in 19th-century Europe. The journal itself, aimed at upper-class women, promoted specific ideals of femininity, emphasizing elegance, domesticity, and refined taste. In this image, the carefully rendered clothing—the elaborate pink dress of the seated woman, the children's tailored outfits, and the backdrop of a grand estate—speak to the importance of outward appearance as an indicator of social standing and cultural capital. The fashion plate served not only as a guide for dressmakers but also as a tool for shaping and reinforcing the norms of bourgeois society. To truly understand the significance of this print, one might consult period fashion magazines, social etiquette guides, and even literature to gain a deeper understanding of the world it represents. Art history can help us connect artistic production to the social conditions of its time.