John Skinner Prout, N.W.S. Decorative Art

Pair of hand colored engravings by Jacques Grasset de Sainte-Sauveur, 1797 Paris publication, 'Costumes de Different Pays', (Costumes of Different Countries). This pair depicting two...

A hand-colored aquatint engraving dated January 1, 1825 and engraved by T. Sutherland, London. Titled "South Sea Whale Fishery", after a painting by Will...

Antique print titled 'MARION DE LORME' Original antique print of Marion Delorme. Marion Delorme (3 October 1613 – 2 July 1650) was a French courtesan known for her relationships with the important men of her time. She was the daughter of Jean de Lou, sieur de l'Orme, president of the treasurers of France in Champagne, and of Marie Chastelain. She was born in a wealthy family at her father's château near Champaubert. Initiated into the philosophy of physical pleasures by the epicurean and atheist Jacques Vallée, Sieur Des Barreaux, she soon left him for Cinq Mars, at that time at the height of his popularity, and succeeded, it is said, in marrying him in secret. She began hosting a salon, and was introduced into the life of being a courtesan. From this time Marion Delorme's salon became one of the most brilliant centres of elegant Parisian society. After the execution of Cinq Mars she is said to have numbered among her lovers and benefactors Charles de Saint-Évremond (1610-1703) the wit and litterateur, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham...

Early 17th century, French hand colored equestrian engraving. After Antoine de Pluvinel (French, 1552-1620), "Henry IV, Mounted", figure 42 from "L'Instruction du Roy en l'Exercice de Monter a Cheval", c. 1625, matted and framed under UF-3 plexiglass (blocks approx. 97% of UV) , gallery label verso. Figures from this publication have sold at Christie's. Those were not hand colored. A highly detailed engraving with the French King Henry 1V the central figure. Mounted on horseback, Le Roy (the King) is watched by no less than 10 courtiers some of whom are mounted on horseback, all of which are named in the engraving. Antoine de Pluvinel (1552, Crest, Dauphine - 24 August 1620) was the first of the French riding masters, and has had great influence on modern dressage. He wrote L’Instruction du Roy en L'exercice de Monter à Cheval ("instruction of the King in the art of riding"), was tutor to King Louis XIII, and is credited with the invention of using two pillars, as well as using shoulder-in to increase suppleness. In 1594, Pluvinel founded the "Academie d'Equitation" near what is now Place des Pyramides. There, the French nobility was trained not only in horsemanship, but also in all the accomplishments (dancing, fashionable dressing, etc.) It can be said that Pluvinel's influence on the aristocracy lasted from the late 16th century to the 17th century. Richelieu, the future Prime Minister of King Louis XIII attended the Academie; so did William, Duke of Cavendish. Pluvinel's book was published posthumously by the Flemish engraver Crispijn van de Passe II and the royal valet de chambre...

Antique print titled 'CHARLOTTE- MARGUERITE DE MONTMORENCI' Original antique print of Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency. Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency (11 May 1594 – 2 Dec...

Antique costume print titled 'Dänische Dame - Dame de Qualité de Dannemarck 1626'. This print depicts a Lady from Denmark. Originates from a rare costume book titled 'Sammlung von Tr...

Set of four antique hand-colored engravings. "Britannia Illustrata," the publication in which these prints originally appeared, was one of the most important topographical works of t...

Antique print titled 'ELEONORE GALIGAI' Original antique print of Leonora Dori Galigaï. Leonora Dori Galigaï (19 May 1568 – 8 July 1617) was a French courtier of Italian origin, a...

Antique print titled 'MARIE DE HAUTEFORT' Original antique print of Marie de Hautefort. Marie de Hautefort (1616 – 1691), was a French noble and lady-in-waiting, a trusted confidante and adviser of King Louis XIII of France. They did not have a sexual relationship and she was thereby a favorite rather than a royal mistress. She was also a personal friend of Queen Anne of Austria...

Antique print titled 'MADEMOISELLE DE LIMEUIL' Original antique print of Isabelle de Limeuil, a French Noblewoman . Isabelle de la Tour, Lady of Limeuil (c. 1535 – 25 March 1609) ...

Antique costume print titled 'Lady of Rotterdam'. Old costume print depicting a lady of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This print originates from 'The Costume of the Netherlands display...

Antique print titled 'MARIE- THERESE D' AUTRICHE' Original antique print of Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria. Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina (German: Maria Theresia;...