Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Very good condition with clear impression and strong coloring. Light toning at the sheet edges, minimal signs of age. Blank verso.
Hand-Colored Portrait of Jeanne de Sancerre, ca. 1900 (after 1827)
Hand-colored engraving of Jeanne de Sancerre (d. 1350), a French noblewoman remembered for her place in the powerful House of Sancerre. This portrait was published around 1900 after the original 1827 design from the series Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres, engraved by Georges Jacques Gatine after drawings by Louis-Marie Lanté.
Jeanne is depicted in a rich purple gown with long flowing folds and fitted sleeves, characteristic of mid-14th century noble fashion. Over her gown she wears a white overgarment with gold embroidery down the center and around the borders, adding dignity and refinement to her attire. Her head is covered with a white wimple and veil, which frames her face and falls neatly over her shoulders, reflecting the modesty and religious influence in women’s dress of the time. Her right hand extends outward, while her left rests against her chest, a graceful pose often used in portrait engravings of noblewomen.
Jeanne de Sancerre belonged to a prominent aristocratic lineage that played a role in medieval French politics, particularly in the region of Berry and the Loire valley. Including her in this celebrated series highlights the importance of noble families in the shaping of France’s history during the turbulent 14th century.
While the original plates were issued in 1827, they were reprinted around 1900 with equally fine hand-coloring to satisfy growing collector interest in costume history and historical portraiture. These impressions combine decorative appeal with historical value, making them highly sought after today.
Condition report: Very good condition with clear impression and strong coloring. Light toning at the sheet edges, minimal signs of age. Blank verso.
Framing tips: A gilt or walnut frame with a cream mount will emphasize the purple gown and white headdress. For a refined touch, a thin gold inner line in the mat can echo the gown’s embroidered decoration.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving (later impression, ca. 1900)
Maker: After Georges Jacques Gatine (engraver) and Louis-Marie Lanté (artist), original Paris edition 1827
