Louis Philippe Prints

"Peche au Cachalot" (Sperm whale fishing) Original colored lithograph enhanced with watercolor by Louis Lebreton (? - 1866).

A very rare mid 19th-century picture depicting the storming the Bastille in Paris, 14 July 1789. With incredible attention to detail, the figures all picked out in multicolored rolls...

Antique French Nobility Costume Prints Pair Hand Colored Framed 16th Century This pair of framed French historical prints presents four richly hand-colored figures from 16th-century French nobility and judicial society. Made in Paris circa 1835, the images have unusual presence, with large isolated figures, portrait-like faces and gestures, extremely precise costume detail, and exceptionally rich surviving color. These are original 19th-century prints, published circa 1835, not modern reproductions. The engravings were issued as part of Massard and Mifliez’s Costumes français depuis Clovis jusqu'à nos jours, an ambitious survey of French historical dress based on earlier paintings, sculpture, monuments, manuscripts, and material preserved in the celebrated Gaignières collection. The four subjects include Françoise Robertet, dame de Rostaing; Marie Le Jars de Gournay; a Premier Président au Parlement de Paris; and a Conseiller au Parlement de Paris. Rather than simply illustrating generalized costume, the figures draw on documented historical and portrait sources, which helps account for their unusually immediate, portrait-like character. Two original printed explanatory leaves from the publication are preserved on the reverse of one frame. The text for Françoise Robertet states that her figure reproduces an original portrait formerly in the gallery of the Marquis de Lavardin and cites the Gaignières portfolios as its source. The text accompanying the Premier Président likewise identifies the Gaignières portfolios as the source for the figure and describes his scarlet judicial robes, ermine, and black cap ornamented with gold. The quality of execution is particularly fine. Transparent watercolor was carefully applied over exceptionally precise engraved line work, leaving the modeling of the faces, hair, lace, jewelry, textiles, and folds of the clothing clearly visible. Selected details are highlighted in gold, including the ornament on the judicial cap and small decorative elements. Salmon red, deep black, cream, turquoise, and gold create a remarkably rich palette while preserving the clarity of the engraving beneath. The matching frames are an important part of the presentation. Black outer moldings surround richly stippled decorative borders in gold, cream, reddish brown, and black, finished with narrow gilt inner slips. Deep black mats intensify the prints' color and give the four figures a strong, unified presentation. Dimensions: Each frame 15.25 inches wide x 13.25 inches high Condition: Very good, with only the slightest wear consistent with age Decoration: Richly hand-colored historical portrait and costume engravings Technique: Engraving with watercolor and selective gold heightening Material: Paper, wood frames Origin: France Date: Circa 1835 Condition: Excellent, with the very slightest wear consistent with age and use Price: $1,400 On the reverse of one print, two labels say: (The translation in English is below the French); Costumes Historiques XXXIX PREMIER PRESIDENT AU PARLEMENT DE PARIS sous le Règne de Henri III...

This 1848 panoramic bird's eye view of Paris was issued by the Illustrated London News as an insert in its publication. The view was issued by the newspaper as part of a larger serie...

Hand colored lithograph, 1836-38, of "Caracaturana 82" by Honore Daumier. From the famous "Robert Macaire" series satirizing the corruption and greed of the French bourgeoisie. 1836-...