Based on the images you mentioned—"Dance Before a Fountain" by Nicolas Lancret and "Woman Ironing" by Edgar Degas—the best description of the purpose and message would likely be:
The purpose was to create aesthetically pleasing art that conveys a message of daily life events.
Both works are notable for their artistic quality and reflect aspects of daily life. Lancret’s piece captures a social gathering and leisure activity, highlighting enjoyment and beauty in everyday moments. Degas’s work portrays a more intimate and domestic scene, emphasizing the labor and routine of a woman in her home environment. While both artworks may have historical significance, their primary aim appears to be a representation of life and activities relevant to the time.