About this sheet
A beautifully hand-colored French lithograph depicting an elegantly dressed gentleman and lady in fashionable attire from the French Directoire period, representing the year 1797.
Unlike the earlier royal court costume plates in the series, this composition is captioned *Sous le Directoire* ("Under the Directory"), illustrating the dramatic change in French fashion following the French Revolution. The gentleman wears a high-collared coat with broad lapels, waistcoat, breeches, and stockings characteristic of the late 1790s, while the seated lady appears in an elegant white Empire-inspired gown with colorful drapery and classical-inspired styling, reflecting the influence of antiquity that became fashionable during the Directory.
The figures are framed by an elaborate neoclassical architectural portal adorned with winged sphinxes, cherubs, classical urns, Greek key ornament, sculpted female figures, and richly engraved decorative motifs. The architectural border is among the most refined designs of the celebrated series.
Published in Paris by Rittner & Goupil, this print belongs to the renowned *Costumes du Quadrille Historique – Bals de l'Opéra* series. Designed by Achille Devéria with ornamental borders by J.J. Grandville, the series was produced for the celebrated historical costume balls held at the Paris Opéra and remains one of the finest examples of nineteenth-century French costume lithography.
The combination of historical costume, elegant neoclassical ornament, and original hand coloring makes this an outstanding decorative print for collectors of French history, Revolutionary-era fashion, theatre, opera, and European decorative arts.
Maker: Rittner & Goupil, Paris
Artists: Achille Devéria; ornamental border by J.J. Grandville
Series: Costumes du Quadrille Historique – Bals de l'Opéra
Published: Circa 1847
Depicted Period: French Directory (Directoire), 1797
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph on wove paper
Condition: Fair to good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, light staining, and minor handling wear, as visible in the photographs. The original hand coloring remains attractive. Please study the photographs carefully.
The print is sold unframed. Any framed images are shown for presentation purposes only.
Keywords: French Directory, Directoire, Sous le Directoire, French Revolution, Directory fashion, Empire style, neoclassical costume, historical costume, hand-colored lithograph, Achille Devéria, J.J. Grandville, Charles Motte, Rittner & Goupil, Costumes du Quadrille Historique, Bals de l'Opéra, Paris lithograph, antique French print, decorative wall art, French history, Revolutionary France
