About this sheet
A beautifully hand-colored French lithograph depicting an elegantly dressed gentleman and lady in fashionable court attire from the reign of King Louis XVI, representing the year 1778.
The couple is presented within an exquisitely engraved Rococo cartouche featuring scrolling acanthus, floral garlands, ribbons, shellwork, decorative cartouches, and a heraldic crest surmounted by an eagle. The gentleman wears a striped frock coat with waistcoat, breeches, stockings, and carries a tricorne hat, while the lady is dressed in an elegant pink and green promenade ensemble with an elaborate feathered hat and carries a fashionable walking cane, reflecting the refined outdoor fashions of the late eighteenth century.
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 hand-colored lithographs are admired for their elegant costume studies, elaborate decorative borders, and outstanding French lithographic craftsmanship.
This print is an excellent decorative piece for collectors of French history, Rococo fashion, costume studies, theatre, opera, and European decorative arts.
Maker: Rittner & Goupil, Paris
Artists: Achille Devéria; ornamental border by J.J. Grandville
Series: Costumes du Quadrille Historique – Bals de l'Opéra
Published: Circa 1847
Depicted Period: Reign of Louis XVI, 1778
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph on wove paper
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.
Keywords: Louis XVI, French Rococo, Rococo court costume, French promenade costume, 18th century fashion, historical costume, court dress, French royal court, Ancien Régime, hand-colored lithograph, Achille Devéria, J.J. Grandville, Charles Motte, Rittner & Goupil, Costumes du Quadrille Historique, Bals de l'Opéra, Paris lithograph, antique French print, decorative wall art, French history
