Large Antique French Fashion Plate, Winter Costumes Paris, c.1880
€ 340
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1880
Mapmaker / artist
Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, Paris, c.1880
Technique
Engraving
Sheet size
36.2 × 53.3 cm (14.3 × 21.0 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13157-2-21
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 light age toning, some faint spotting, and visible center fold as issued. Minor wear along the edges consistent with age.
About this sheet
Large Antique French Fashion Plate, Winter Costumes Paris, c.1880
A rare and visually impressive large-format fashion plate depicting a full ensemble of Parisian ladies in winter attire, arranged in an elegant outdoor setting. The composition presents a panoramic view of late 19th-century couture, with multiple figures showcasing a wide variety of styles and silhouettes.
This original engraving was published in the prestigious Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles and titled Grande Planche de Confections d’Hiver (Large Plate of Winter Garments). Unlike standard fashion plates, this example offers a comprehensive overview of seasonal fashion, featuring numerous figures in elaborately detailed gowns, coats, and hats. The garments are rendered with exceptional precision, highlighting textures such as fur trims, layered fabrics, and structured tailoring.
The monochrome engraving emphasizes linework and form, giving the piece a refined, almost architectural quality. The arrangement of figures—each turned at slightly different angles—creates a dynamic rhythm across the composition, making it particularly engaging for both close viewing and larger wall display.
Due to its larger scale and the number of figures represented, this plate stands apart from typical single-fashion illustrations and holds strong appeal for collectors, designers, and those seeking a statement piece with historical depth.
Framing tip: Particularly effective when framed wide with generous margins in a dark wood or black frame. A large mat enhances its presence and allows the full composition to breathe.
This is an original antique engraving, 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.
