Large French Fashion Plate, Panoramic Couture Study, Paris, c.1887
€ 495
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1887
Mapmaker / artist
Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, Brussels/Paris, late 19th century
Technique
Engraving
Sheet size
35.4 × 50.6 cm (13.9 × 19.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13157-2-7
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 condition with age-related toning. Minor foxing and light discoloration to the margins. Central fold as issued, now flattened. Occasional light handling marks. Overall very presentable.
About this sheet
Large French Fashion Plate, Panoramic Couture Study, Paris, c.1887
A rare and visually striking large-format 19th-century French fashion engraving presenting a panoramic study of Parisian couture, featuring a continuous arrangement of elegantly dressed ladies in elaborate seasonal attire. The composition offers a comprehensive overview of fashionable silhouettes, textures, and accessories of the late 19th century, making it both a decorative artwork and a valuable historical reference.
Issued as a supplément to the Journal des Dames et des Demoiselles, this engraving differs from standard fashion plates by its scale and ambition, bringing together multiple figures in a single cohesive composition. Each figure is rendered with precision, showcasing a variety of gowns, hats, parasols, and richly ornamented fabrics, ranging from structured daywear to more elaborate formal attire.
The monochrome engraving technique enhances the intricate detailing of lace, embroidery, and textile patterns, giving the piece a refined and almost sculptural quality. The panoramic layout creates a strong visual rhythm, making it particularly suited for display as a statement piece in both classic and contemporary interiors.
Such large composite fashion plates were intended not only as style references but also as decorative prints, appealing to a sophisticated audience interested in both fashion and design. Today, they are increasingly sought after for their graphic presence and versatility in interior styling.
This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Framing tips: This piece works best as a wide statement artwork. Frame in black or dark walnut with a generous ivory mat, or consider a more contemporary thin frame without mat for a clean, gallery-style presentation. Ideal above a sofa, console, or in a hallway.
