PARIS HAUTE COUTURE, 1890's~History of the Fashion Illustration

"Journal des Demoiselles"

In the 1700’s and 1800’s, British, French and American periodicals such as The “Lady’s Magazine” (see above), “La Belle Assemble” and “Godey’s Lady’s Magazine” catered to women with features on homemaking, decorating, art, literature and tips for self-improvement. By the late 1700’s, the magazines began including printed illustrations or plates of up-to-date fashions.In 1770, the British publication “The Lady’s Magazine” published engraved fashion plates; by the 1790s their engravings were hand tinted. In 1778, French print dealers Jacques Esnauts and Michel Rapilly created hand-colored prints of current fashions for “La Galerie des Mode”. Similar publications quickly appeared throughout Europe. By the mid-1880s, over one hundred European fashion periodicals were available. Journal des Demoiselles was well respected amoong their ranks. Since mass-produced clothing was not yet available, early fashion illustrations were invaluable sources of the latest trends for dressmakers and tailors who custom crafted wardrobes for individual customers. The illustrations helped accelerate the trend to change styles seasonally. Fashion plates promote new styles to eager audiences not only in the place of origin, but in the respective empires! Along with the eagerly awaited "mail from HOME" that took months to reach the colonies, journals of what was the latest seasonal fashion hit far away shores. As they gained in popularity, fashion plates evolved from simple representations of women in stylish attire to elaborate group scenes with backdrops of luxurious interiors and fanciful landscapes. The plates often referenced the leisure pursuits of the wealthy, such as reading, promenading in public parks and socializing at balls. Although fashion plates represented the ideal, they still offer a window into the clothing, furnishings and social hierachy of their time period. They are a valuable resource for historians, costumiers, artists and fashion designers. The antique plates have become popular collectibles.
Reference: Robinson, Julian, “The Fine Art of Fashion”, Bay books, Sydney, 1987
Size of image approx = 200mm x 250mm
Size of Conservation presentation with decorative mat fillet = 400mm x 480mm
Original hand coloured engraving
Condition = slight paper discolouration throughout, notable consequence of age.
Price=AUD$195 each

FFP1 "Journal des Demoiselles" (French Fashion Magazine)	FFP2 "Journal des Demoiselles"	FFP3 "Journal des Demoiselles" (French Fashion Magazine) SOLD
FFP4 "Journal des Demoiselles" (French Fashion Magazine)	FFP5 "Journal des Demoiselles" (French Fashion Magazine)	FFP7 "Journal des Demoiselles" (French Fashion Magazine) SOLD

RBP1 "Palais Royal", Paris (outside the Tavern Hollandois) Original hand coloured Aquatint etched by Richard Brinsley PEAKE (1792-1847). Published London, William Fearman, January 1819. The Characteristic Costume of France in 1819 showing both men and women from various economic strata, in both rural and urban settings. This charming scene offers an insightful historical perspective on a Regency Englishman’s view of the French. Note the French male greeting/farewell on the right. Condition = Wove paper.Mark of past matboard. Size = 20cm x 25cm price = AUD$195

RBP2 "Rouge et Noir" ("Red and Black", gambling) Original hand coloured Aquatint etched by Richard Brinsley PEAKE (1792-1847). Published London, William Fearman, January 1819. The Characteristic Costume of France in 1819 showing both men and women from various economic strata, in both rural and urban settings. An insightful historical perspective on a Regency Englishman’s view of the French.Here we see a study of social ettiquette in a gambling establishment. Condition = Wove paper. Mark of past matboard. Size = 20cm x 25cm price = AUD$195

"Master of Arts in his Academic Dress" Original hand coloured copper and stipple engraving by Whessel after Richard Harraden (1756-1838). Harraden was born in London,worked in paris and London before moving to Cambridge in 1798 were he proceded to record the academic fashions of the day. The "Master of Arts" costume was "worn in the Senate House, and on other particular occasions. In general a Hat was worn instead of the Cap.: and the Hood, which is Black Silk lined with White, is ommitted. The next and Third Degrees is that of BACHELOR OF DIVINITY, and is distinguished by a Silk Hood entirely Black." Published Cambridge, England, May 1st, 1803 image size = 23cmx17cm Price= AUD$138

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