Le Magasin des Familles - fashion engraving, 19th century, France
Advertising engraving, published by the magazine Le Magasin des Familles in the 19th century. Under the engraving signatures of the authors ("Lacouriere S / Anais Tendeuse (?)"), at the top the title Le Magasin des Familles.
Bound, very good condition.
Dimensions: 28.5 x 19.7 cm.
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Fashion engravings, usually produced using the intaglio technique, became widespread in Europe as early as the 18th century. Until the end of the 19th century, they were an excellent way to advertise the latest fashions, cuts and materials, allowing ladies and gentlemen of society to keep abreast of the latest fashions in, for example, Paris, considered the pinnacle of elegance. Thus, fashion magazines and the engravings in them functioned somewhat like today's fashion and lifestyle blogs. The popularity of such magazines can be evidenced, for example, by the fact that even in Bolesław Prus' Lalka (The Doll ), the Fashion Monitor, which is browsed by Izabela Łęcka, is mentioned: "Miss Izabela (...) is somewhat relieved at the thought of a quiff and a new toilette. She may have a very beautiful one, but what kind?... She pushes aside the tambourine and from the table on which lie Shakespeare, Dante, an album of European notables and several magazines, takes: "Le Moniteur de la Mode" and begins to look through it with the greatest attention. Here is the luncheon dressing room; here are spring outfits for ladies, maids, married women, young married women and their mothers; here are formal, ceremonial and walking dresses; here are six new forms of hats, ten fabrics, dozens of colors... What to choose, oh God?... It's impossible to choose without consulting Miss Florentine and the storekeeper....
