Parisien Fashion Engraving Prints - Le Journal des Dames et des Modes Costume 

These rare, 196 year-old, original hand colored engraving prints are of the “Le Journal des Dames et des Modes Costume Parisien” collection. These images were engraved on copper plates, and then printed on paper, finally being hand-coloured. Most plates depicted the beautiful dress of one or two ladies on one plate, but several plates also showed gentlemen’s fashion. Others depict a large number of hats and hairstyles on one plate as well.Original examples of 1820's fashion plates are quite scarce. Unlike the fashion illustrations of the mid and late nineteenth century, which were produced by means of steel engraving or lithography, 1820's fashion art was engraved on copper plates that yielded very few impressions. The truly spectacular clothing design art from this era is therefore in great demand. No expense was spared to commission talented engravers and colourists for these beautiful works of art. Such great French artists as Gavarni and Vernet produced many fashion engravings at this time (Davenport 721).Paris was the capital for fashion innovation and design. After the final defeat of Napoleon, English and French fashions merged to close accord. What was in vogue in Paris would be worn by fashionable ladies in Vienna, Berlin, Rome and London. The hand-coloured French fashion engraving, such as this original example entitled, "Chapeau de Crêpe Orné de Rubans de Gaze et de Fleurs de Tulipier. Robe de Popeline Canezou d'Organdi de Tulle", was responsible for filtering the new styles throughout the major cities of Europe and thus represented great wealth to the clothing industry of Paris. The Journal des Dames et des Modes & Costume Parisien, was published in Paris by Jean Baptiste Selleque & the Abbe, Pierre de la Mesangere from 1797 to 1839. The Journal was known for the quality of its texts and illustrations and was the leading women’s magazine in the Napoleonic and Post Napoleonic France. This fashion journal for ladies and gentlemen, and founded in late 18th century, with Hand-coloured French fashion engravings, were responsible for introducing the new fashion styles throughout the major cities of Europe.Plate No. 2506 Chapeau de Crêpe Orné de Rubans de Gaze et de Fleurs de Tulipier. Robe de Popeline Canezou d'Organdi Garni de Tulle Source: Costume Parisien, Paris (Parisian Dress Gown, Paris)Date: 1827Medium: Original Hand-Coloured Engraving. Printed upon early 19th century hand-made, laid paper and with full margins as published in Paris on the above date. A finely printed impression with unfaded hand-colouring and in great condition throughout.Plate No. 2527 Habit de drap a collet de velours et boutons cercles en or Gilet de piqué Pantalon de cachemire. Bas de soie. Redingote veste garnie de boutons de métal. Pantalon d'étoffe fil et coton.Source: Costume Parisien, ParisDate: 1827Medium: Original Hand-Coloured Engraving. Printed upon early 19th century hand-made, laid paper and with full margins as published in Paris on the above date. A finely printed impression with unfaded hand-colouring and in great condition throughout.Plate No. 2474 Coiffures ornées de rubans de gaze par Mr Guillaume. Robes de gros de Naples garnies de bouillons de gaze it de pointes de satin.Source: Costume Parisien, Paris (Parisian Dress Gown, Paris)Date: 1827Medium: Original Hand-Coloured Engraving. Printed upon early 19th century hand-made, laid paper and with full margins as published in Paris on the above date. A finely printed impression with unfaded hand-colouring and in great condition throughout.Plate No. 2471 Habit de drap garni de boutons bombes it ciseles. Gilet de velours à raies d'or par dessus un gilet broche. Pantalon de casimir. Manteau de drap Redingot d'alpaga à collet de velour.Source: Costume Parisien, ParisDate: 1827Medium: Original Hand-Coloured Engraving. Printed upon early 19th century hand-made, laid paper and with full margins as published in Paris on the above date. A finely printed impression with unfaded hand-colouring and in great condition throughout.These prints are framed by Buzza Junior, Inc in mirror and in good condition with some evidence of aging and storage. On creamy-white paper with detailed clear engraving and strong, vibrant color. Print has been kept in a non-smoking environment, in archival conditions, out of sunlight. Please see photos closely for condition of prints and frames.Size: Unframed prints - 7" X 4.75" (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)Framed and Matted - 13" X 10.75"VERY GOOD CONDITION" Antique print, not a later reprint.Will sell all four for $550.00