About this sheet
Italian Noblewomen Costume Engravings from Naples, Hand-Colored, 1749
A refined and highly decorative pair of mid-18th century hand-colored costume engravings depicting noblewomen from Naples, Italy. These elegant plates portray aristocratic female dress with remarkable attention to textile detail, jewelry, ceremonial accessories, and regional fashion traditions. The engravings were published in 1749 as part of a celebrated European costume series documenting the attire and customs of various nations and regions.
The first engraving, “Habit of a Lady of Quality of Naples,” depicts an aristocratic Neapolitan lady richly dressed in flowing lavender robes adorned with gold trim, elaborate chains, and ornamental accessories. Her feathered fan and jeweled costume emphasize the opulence associated with Naples during the Bourbon period, when the city ranked among the most sophisticated cultural centers in Europe.
The second plate, “Habit of a Noble Virgin of Naples,” presents a striking and more mysterious costume type, with the sitter partially veiled in a traditional Neapolitan fashion. The dramatic combination of crimson and silver-gray garments, together with the concealed face and feather fan, creates an especially theatrical composition highly appealing for interior decoration and collectors of costume history.
Together, these engravings form an exceptionally balanced decorative pair. The contrasting poses, complementary colors, and shared regional subject matter make them particularly suitable for framing side-by-side. Their elegant proportions and restrained backgrounds focus attention entirely on the costume designs, allowing the prints to function beautifully in both classical and contemporary interiors.
These works also offer important historical insight into 18th-century European fascination with regional dress, social identity, and aristocratic presentation. Costume prints of this period were highly sought after by collectors undertaking Grand Tours through Italy and remain among the most visually engaging engravings of the era.
Framing tips: These engravings display exceptionally well framed together in matching dark walnut, ebonized, or gilt frames with wide ivory mats. A museum-style presentation enhances both the delicate hand-coloring and the elegant costume silhouettes.
This is an original antique document, not a reproduction. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
