Journal des Demoiselles 1 Mars 1899, No. 5190 : Toilettes de Melle Marie Louis (...) 1899

This print was made by P. Deferneville, and published in France as the cover for the Journal des Demoiselles in March 1899. The image offers a window into the fashion and social aspirations of the late 19th-century French bourgeoisie. The journal itself was part of a growing print media industry that catered to women, offering guidance on fashion, etiquette, and domestic life. This cover visualizes the idealized image of women and children as paragons of style and refinement. Note the carefully tailored dresses, elaborate hats, and the overall emphasis on elegance and grace. These details reflect the values of a society deeply invested in appearances and social status. We might ask, what role did publications like the Journal des Demoiselles play in shaping women's identities and aspirations during this period? A deeper understanding can be achieved by researching the history of fashion magazines, the rise of consumer culture, and the changing roles of women in French society. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.