Late 19th-Century French Dressed Fashion Engraving of a Lady in Mauve - 15¾" x 12½"

This late 19th-century French gravure habillée, or dressed engraving, depicts a fashionable young woman in an elaborate mauve gown, with beautifully arranged curls, delicate floral ornaments and a tiny gilt earring lending her an appealingly coquettish air. Her costume has been brought to life with real fabrics, lace and embroidery carefully applied to the original print. Her beautiful mauve dress is worked in softly gathered fabric, with layers of black lace, delicate white trimmings and tiny embroidered flowers. Particular attention has been given to her appearance: her intricate hairstyle is recreated with pale threads arranged into curls, while little pink flowers, a ribbon bow and a tiny gilt earring complete the ensemble. The figure is set against a lightly sketched interior, allowing the richness of the textile work to take center stage.

The engraving is presented in a deep box frame with a warm rose-brown fabric mount and a narrow giltwood border, giving the delicate artwork depth and an a portrait-like quality. It remains in attractive antique condition, with some light discoloration and small marks to the paper, gentle wear to the textiles and a few losses to the gilding, particularly along the lower edge of the frame.

These dressed engravings are particularly appealing for the patience and skill involved in translating a printed fashion illustration into a miniature textile creation. Here, the elaborate curls, tiny embroidered flowers and dainty earring reveal an especially charming attention to detail, inviting a closer look. The rich mauve palette and contrasting lace give the piece a sophisticated, distinctly feminine character, while the warm fabric mount complements the costume beautifully. Somewhere between fashion illustration, needlework and decorative art, it offers a delightful glimpse into 19th-century Parisian fashion. It would be particularly appealing in a bedroom or dressing room, or as part of a gallery wall alongside antique portraits and other works on paper.

Note : Other dressed engravings from the same collection, each featuring a different scene, are also available for individual purchase here.