American Family – 1837

Antiquarian American Family Fashion and Godey Lady Book Prints from 1837

This authentic 1837 fashion plate titled An American Family illustrates high-society domestic garments from the early Victorian era. The scene features a gentleman wearing a tailored green frock coat with military-style frogs and braiding, matched with light-colored trousers and a top hat. Beside him, an elegant woman models an ankle-length bell-shaped morning dress complemented by an elaborate blue bonnet and decorative lace collar accents.

Early Victorian Children Clothing Styles and Historical Hand Colored Engravings

Originally published as an exclusive engraving for Godey’s Lady’s Book in Philadelphia, this archival print beautifully showcases children’s period apparel. Two young girls are depicted wearing fine ruffled pastel dresses layered over traditional white lace pantalettes and matching ankle boots. As a rare piece of nineteenth-century American costume illustration, this hand-colored steel engraving provides invaluable context for historical tailoring and textile research.