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Little Women - Meg buying silk for a new dress
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Little Women - Meg buying silk for a new dress
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Meg buying silk for a new dress, far beyond her household budget, encouraged by her friend Sallie.
1880
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23266424
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Alcott Assistant Buying Counter Expensive Extravagance Extravagant Fiction Frank Friend Friends Louisa Material Merrill Shopping Silk Thayer Sallie
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by Louisa May Alcott: A 19th Century Scene of Extravagance and Friendship - Meg Buys Silk for a New Dress This engraving, titled "Meg Buys Silk for a New Dress," is an evocative snapshot from the classic American novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. Set in the 1880s, the scene portrays Meg (March) in the act of purchasing an extravagant roll of silk, far beyond her family's household budget, encouraged by her dear friend Sallie (Chadwick). The image, produced by Frank Thayer Merrill for the "Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly" magazine in 1880, captures the essence of the story's themes of womanhood, friendship, and the allure of material possessions. Meg, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, stands at the shop counter, her eyes fixed on the luxurious silk displayed before her. The shop assistant, a man in a formal waistcoat, looks on with a knowing smile, perhaps amused by Meg's audacious purchase. Sallie, her friend and confidant, stands beside her, her hand on Meg's shoulder, offering her encouragement and support. The two women, both dressed in fashionable attire, embody the social scene of the 1880s, where appearances and material possessions held great importance. The rich colors and intricate details of the engraving transport us back to a time when a simple roll of silk could represent an extravagance, a moment of indulgence, and a testament to the power of friendship. This image, drawn from the pages of a beloved novel, continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the 19th century.
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