Two French Girls – 1914

Two French girls in summer outfits, 1914

This charming hand-colored fashion plate from 1914, titled Robes de toile peinte, forms part of the renowned French series Costumes Parisiens. The illustration documents a significant shift in early twentieth-century children apparel, showcasing how seasonal garments for young girls embraced more playful, liberated, and comfortable designs suitable for outdoor country activities just before the onset of the First World War.

Design Details of Printed Summer Dresses and Countryside Imagery

The print depicts two young girls interacting with a small donkey on a cobblestone path near a scenic riverbank with white houses. They model vibrant matching red summer dresses made of printed canvas cloth patterned with delicate white motifs, accessorized with coordinated red footwear, a soft sun bonnet, and a wide-brimmed straw hat perfectly suited for a sunny day in the European countryside.