French First Empire Court Costume Lithograph, 1807 – Published 1847
€ 845
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1807
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-14325-2-15
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 ceremonial attire from the First French Empire, representing the year 1807.
The composition is enclosed within an imposing neoclassical architectural portal adorned with winged sphinxes, cherubs, classical urns, Greek key ornament, and richly sculpted decorative motifs. The gentleman is portrayed in a magnificent ceremonial court uniform trimmed with ermine, richly embroidered with gold braid, wearing a plumed bicorne and carrying an elaborate ceremonial hat. The lady wears an elegant white Empire-style gown embellished with delicate floral decoration, blue sash, jeweled tiara, and refined accessories, reflecting the sophisticated fashions of the Napoleonic court.
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 famous historical costume balls held at the Paris Opéra during the mid-19th century. These finely hand-colored lithographs are admired for their historical costume studies, elaborate decorative engraving, and outstanding French lithographic craftsmanship.
The richly detailed ceremonial costume, elegant Empire fashions, and impressive neoclassical border make this an outstanding decorative print for collectors of Napoleonic history, French 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: First French Empire, 1807
The print is sold unframed. Any framed images are shown for presentation purposes only.
