Edgar Degas, Les repasseuses (Women Ironing), 1884, Oil on canvas, 29 7/8 x 31 7/8 in. (76 x 81 cm), Musee d'Orsay, Paris

The first and only issue of the Journal des Assassins is produced. (AF)

Renoir paints Les Grandes Baigneuses. (CHF)

Seurat paints Un dimanche d'ete a la Grand Jatte, opening a neo-impressionist school. (CHF)

The first Salon des Independants. (CHF)

Dastve discovers the sympathetic nervous system. (CHF)
 
 
 
 
 

The statute of liberty is being constructed. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi is the architect. This is installed in New York harbor in 1886. (Image Almanach Francais.)

More broadly:

A law authorizes divorce, a social milestone.

Rayon, the first synthetic fiber, is invented by comte Chardonnet. (CHF)

Cambodia is annexed to Indochina. (CHF)

Construction of the first steam powered auto by marquis Albert de Dion. (AF)