Lingère coiffée d’un Bavolett, Reign of Louis XIII – Handcoloured Engraving 1900

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Lingère coiffée d’un Bavolett, Reign of Louis XIII – Handcoloured Engraving, ca. 1900

Charming handcoloured engraving of a French lingère (linen maid) wearing a bavolett, a type of lace-edged head covering fashionable during the reign of King Louis XIII (1601–1643). She is depicted in a long white apron and veil, with a vivid red gown richly detailed with lace trim and patterned borders. The figure holds folded linen, underscoring her occupation and adding a touch of everyday realism to the courtly costume studies of the time.

This engraving is a ca. 1900 reprint from the celebrated series *Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres*, first published in Paris in 1827. Designed by Louis Marie Lanté and engraved by Georges Jacques Gatine, the series drew upon the antiquarian research of Roger de Gaignières, who preserved and documented French costume traditions of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The present plate is particularly attractive for its combination of bright colours, domestic subject matter, and historical authenticity. It provides a vivid representation of middle-class female attire in early 17th-century France, contrasting with the grander courtly costumes seen in other plates of the same series. Collectors of costume prints and French cultural history will find this an appealing and decorative piece.

Condition: Very good. Light overall toning, with a few minor spots in the margin not affecting the image. Strong impression with well-preserved hand colouring. Blank verso.

Framing tips: A cream or ivory mount will enhance the whiteness of the apron and veil, while a warm-toned wood or gilt frame will highlight the vivid reds of the gown. Double matting with a subtle red line could echo the gown’s colouring.

Technique: Handcoloured engraving
Maker: Georges Jacques Gatine after Louis Marie Lanté, reprint Paris, ca. 1900