Figures & Portraits · 19th century
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Very good condition. Strong hand coloring preserved, clean sheet with minor marginal toning. Blank verso.
Hand-Colored Portrait of Eurian, Wife of the Duke of Nevers, ca. 1900 (after 1827)
Hand-colored engraving of Eurian, wife of the Duke of Nevers, issued around 1900 after the original 1827 plate from the series Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres. The designs were created by Louis-Marie Lanté and engraved by Georges Jacques Gatine, with the later reissues preserving the fine hand coloring and decorative appeal of the originals.
Eurian is shown in a splendid long gown of deep crimson, lined at the hem with ermine fur, a material reserved for the nobility. Her waist is cinched by a decorative belt, while the neckline of her gown is trimmed in white fur. She wears a golden chain across her shoulders and sleeves of flowing white fabric beneath the gown. The most striking feature is her tall conical hennin, the iconic headdress of the late Middle Ages, from which a long sheer veil cascades elegantly to the ground. Her pose, with one hand extended outward, emphasizes both grace and authority.
As wife of the Duke of Nevers, Eurian belonged to the powerful Burgundian ducal court. The Duchy of Nevers played a significant role in French medieval politics, and noblewomen like Eurian embodied dynastic prestige and cultural refinement. The inclusion of her portrait in this celebrated 19th-century costume series reflects the fascination with aristocratic women and their roles in French history.
This print, while from the ca. 1900 reissue, remains highly collectible for its combination of decorative artistry, fine hand coloring, and historical resonance. It is part of a wider series that documented the costumes of notable French women across the centuries, making it a valuable resource for costume history as well as a striking display piece.
Condition report: Very good condition. Strong hand coloring preserved, clean sheet with minor marginal toning. Blank verso.
Framing tips: Best presented in a gilt or walnut frame with a cream or ivory mat. A subtle red or burgundy inner line in the mount can enhance the gown’s rich tones and highlight the elegance of the composition.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving (later impression, ca. 1900)
Maker: After Georges Jacques Gatine (engraver) and Louis-Marie Lanté (artist), original Paris edition 1827
