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Shopgirls playing the game of a little bird told me
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Shopgirls playing the game of a little bird told me
A mistress of a clothes shop and her staff playing a game of a little bird told me. The women wear bonnets, aprons, and black dresses. Handcoloured engraving from Pierre de la Mesangeres Le Bon Genre, Paris, 1817
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Media ID 23194506
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Apron Bonnet Fabric Frill Lace Mesangere Mistress Petit Pierre Rumour Shopgirl Staff Told Whisper
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Charming Game of Whispers: Shopgirls in Victorian Fashion This hand-colored engraving, titled 'Le Bon Genre' and created by Pierre de la Mesangere in Paris in 1817, portrays a delightful scene of a mistress of a clothes shop and her dedicated staff engaged in a playful game. The women, dressed in elegant bonnets, aprons, and black dresses, gather around a table, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. The game they are playing is 'un petit doigt, la, dit' - a French phrase that translates to 'little bird told me.' This game, akin to the modern-day 'telephone,' involves passing a whispered message from one person to another, with each participant adding a small embellishment or alteration before passing it on. The shopgirls' attire is a testament to the fashion trends of the era. Their bonnets, adorned with lace and frills, sit atop their heads, while their aprons, made of fine fabric, protect their dresses from the daily wear and tear of the shop. The dresses themselves, with their high collars and long sleeves, exude an air of sophistication and elegance. As they play their game, the shopgirls momentarily set aside their duties, allowing themselves to indulge in a bit of fun and camaraderie. The enchanting scene serves as a reminder that even in the most mundane of settings, there is always room for a little playfulness and connection.
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