Views of Europe · 19th century
€ 260
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good. General age toning and a few faint spots in the margins, not affecting the image. Strong impression and delicate hand colouring. Blank verso.
Louise of Savoy, Regent of France – Handcoloured Engraving, ca. 1900
Elegant handcoloured engraving of Louise of Savoy (1476–1531), Duchess of Angoulême and mother of King Francis I of France. She is depicted in a long black gown of patterned fabric trimmed with fur, worn with a simple white headdress and veil. A jewelled belt with pendant and pearl bracelet complete her restrained yet regal attire. The caption identifies her as *Louise de Savoie, Régente du Royaume, née en 1476, morte en 1532*, recalling her role as regent of France during the absences of her son.
This engraving is a ca. 1900 reprint after the *Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres*, originally published in Paris in 1827. Designed by Louis Marie Lanté and engraved by Georges Jacques Gatine, the series was based on costume sources preserved by Roger de Gaignières, an antiquarian who documented portraits and attire of the French nobility.
Louise of Savoy played a decisive role in early 16th-century French politics, acting as regent during the Italian Wars and serving as a key figure in the governance of France. The sombre elegance of her attire, with its fur-lined sleeves and dark damask fabric, reflects both her dignity and her powerful position in a time of political turbulence.
Condition: Very good. General age toning and a few faint spots in the margins, not affecting the image. Strong impression and delicate hand colouring. Blank verso.
Framing tips: A wide cream or ivory mount paired with a dark wood frame will enhance the dignified gravity of the black gown. A gilt frame would add a regal note, especially if paired with a subtle gold inner mat line to echo her jewellery.
Technique: Handcoloured engraving
Maker: Georges Jacques Gatine after Louis Marie Lanté, reprint Paris, ca. 1900
