French Directoire Period Costume Lithograph, 1794 – Published 1847
€ 645
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1794
Mapmaker / artist
Rittner & Goupil, Paris
Publisher
Circa 1847
Technique
Hand-colored lithograph on wove paper
Sheet size
57.3 × 41.8 cm (22.6 × 16.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14325-2-13
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered light foxing, and minor handling wear, as visible in the photographs. The original hand coloring remains bright and attractive. Please study the photographs carefully.
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 1794.
The figures are presented beneath an elaborate neoclassical architectural portal adorned with winged sphinxes, cherubs, classical urns, Greek key ornament, and sculptural decorative elements inspired by the Louis XVI style. The gentleman wears a fashionable dark blue overcoat with embroidered waistcoat, breeches, stockings, and a bicorne-style hat, while the lady is dressed in an elegant high-waisted gown with a striking oversized bonnet and coordinating blue shawl. Their attire reflects the transition from the extravagance of the Ancien Régime to the more restrained fashions that emerged during the French Revolution.
Published in Paris by Rittner & Goupil, this print belongs to the celebrated 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. These hand-colored lithographs are admired for their historical costume studies, refined decorative engraving, and exceptional French lithographic craftsmanship.
The elegant figures, richly engraved architectural border, and original hand coloring make this an outstanding decorative print for collectors of French history, Revolutionary-era fashion, theater, opera, and European decorative arts.
Artists: Achille Devéria; ornamental border by J.J. Grandville
Series: Costumes du Quadrille Historique – Bals de l'Opéra
Depicted Period: French Directoire Period, 1794
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered light foxing, and minor handling wear, as visible in the photographs. The original hand coloring remains bright and attractive. Please study the photographs carefully.
The print is sold unframed. Any framed images are shown for presentation purposes only.
