French Woman and Children – Autumn 1859

Nineteenth Century French Fashion Plate from Journal des Jeunes Personnes 1859

This authentic hand-colored engraving from September 1859 highlights the peak of French bourgeois family style during the early Victorian period. Published in Paris for the well-known style periodical Journal des Jeunes Personnes, the archival plate shows an outdoor garden scene featuring two women interacting with a young toddler resting on a cushion. This historic illustration provides textile historians and costume designers with an exceptional visual record of expansive crinoline silhouettes, tiered garment patterns, and mid-nineteenth-century children dress construction.

Detailed Visual Overview of Victorian Crinoline Gowns and Toddler Clothing

The print showcases a sophisticated contrast between formal ladies outdoor garments and traditional historical infant attire against a scenic backdrop with trees and water. On the left, a standing woman models a voluminous grey silk gown with multiple tiered flounces on the skirt, paired with a black lace shawl and a green-ribboned bonnet. On the right, a kneeling woman wears a pink patterned dress with full under-sleeves, while the seated toddler displays a white frilled dress accessorized with a bright blue waist sash.