Children With Toys – Spring 1830

Romantic Period French Children’s Apparel from Petit Courrier des Dames 1830

This authentic 1830 hand-colored fashion plate, published in Paris for the celebrated women’s periodical Petit Courrier des Dames, captures the whimsical proportions of French children’s high-society apparel during the early Romantic era. The outdoor group composition features three children engaged in playful leisure activities. The central figure models a striking periwinkle blue riding jacket (chevalière) with dramatic balloon-shaped gigot sleeves and a tightly tailored waist, complemented by tailored white pantaloons, an upright ruffled lace collar, and an ornate plumed blue cap adorned with dangling gold tassels.

Antique Parisian Youth Fashion Print and 19th-Century Childhood Leisure

The illustration highlights the distinct gender and age tailoring of the period, showcasing a younger boy on the left holding a decorative floral hoop while wearing a straw-colored tunic suit paired with a tall gold shako-style hat. To the right, a third child in a grey tailored coat and green flat cap is depicted from behind while jumping rope in the parkland setting. Complete with extensive French cursive typography detailing the original Parisian artisan credits—such as tailor Cior-Cury and hatmaker Colas on the Boulevard des Italiens—this rare archival engraving serves as a premier visual reference for early 19th-century youth textiles and lifestyle history.