Racial / French / Shopgirl
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Racial / French / Shopgirl
A Parisian shopgirl or grisette Date: 1850
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14291519
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1850 Grisette Parisian Shopgirl Racial
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the essence of Parisian life in the mid-19th century, featuring a young shopgirl, or grisette, going about her daily business in the bustling streets of the City of Light. The term grisette originally referred to the working-class women of Paris, who wore grey dresses and lived in the gray, damp tenements of the city. They were often employed in textile factories or shops, and their simple, practical attire was a stark contrast to the elegant fashions worn by the wealthy elite. The racial identity of the shopgirl in this photograph is not explicitly stated, but it is worth noting that Paris in the 1850s was a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Immigrants from Africa, the Americas, and Asia had been coming to France for centuries, and they played an important role in the city's economy and social fabric. It is possible that this shopgirl is of African or Asian descent, as suggested by her darker complexion and distinctive features. However, without further context or information, it is impossible to be certain. Despite the challenges and hardships of their lives, grisettes were an integral part of Parisian society and culture. They were often portrayed in paintings, literature, and popular songs, and they inspired a genre of art known as the "grisette type." These images idealized the grisettes as charming, lively, and independent young women, who were both hardworking and seductive. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when Paris was a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic city, where the lives of ordinary people intersected with the grandeur and glamour of the elite. It is a reminder of the rich history and complexities of Parisian life, and the enduring allure of the City of Light.
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