Shop girls preparing for bed

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Shop girls preparing for bed

Shop girls preparing for bed. Wearing turbans, shawls and lowcut cotton nightshifts, four shopgirls relax before bed. Handcoloured engraving from Pierre de la Mesangeres Le Bon Genre, Paris, 1817

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23194718

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Candle Curtain Genre Grisette Lifestyle Mesangere Mirror Muslin Napoleonic Pierre Satirical Shawl Shopgirl Turban Coucher Grisettes

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> Europe > France > Paris > Fashion

> Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021

EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured engraving, titled 'Shop girls preparing for bed' or 'The Grisettes' from Pierre de la Mesangere's 'Le Bon Genre' series, offers a glimpse into the private lives of shop girls in Paris during the Napoleonic era. The image showcases four young women, dressed in traditional attire for the working class, as they unwind before retiring for the night. The shop girls are seen wearing turbans and shawls, adorned with intricate patterns, and low-cut muslin nightshifts. Their relaxed expressions and casual postures convey a sense of camaraderie and contentment. A table is set with a mirror, a candle, and a curtain, suggesting a simple yet cozy bedroom setting. The satirical tone of the print is evident in the exaggerated details, such as the oversized turban and the overly full skirt of one of the girls. This was a common motif in the 'Grand Modes' or fashion plates of the time, which often depicted working-class women in humorous and stereotypical ways. Despite the satire, the print offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of shop girls during the Empire period. It also reflects the growing trend of using print media to entertain and inform the public about fashion and lifestyle. The print serves as a reminder of the rich history of fashion and the importance of documenting the everyday experiences of people from all walks of life.

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