Gowns – Spring 1837

Romantic Era Tartan Gowns in French Petit Courrier des Dames Plate

This exquisite hand-colored fashion engraving from April 1839, published for the Parisian periodical Petit Courrier des Dames under the title “Modes de Longchamp,” showcases elite spring outerwear from the late Romantic era. The outdoor balcony scene depicts two women modeling the distinct transition toward full-skirted Victorian silhouettes. The primary standing lady wears a magnificent green and dark red tartan plaid silk gown paired with an intricately embroidered white lace pelerine collar that drapes over her chest. Her ensemble is elevated by an open poke bonnet (chapeau en moire) lined with delicate lace ruffles and topped with flowing green ostrich feathers, capturing the peak of 1830s Parisian high fashion.

Antique 1830s French Fashion Illustration with Silk Lace Shawls

An invaluable archival print for early 19th-century textile history, this original engraving highlights the intricate lace weaving techniques of historical French dressmakers. The second figure, viewed from behind, demonstrates a pink walking dress featuring a heavily ruffled hemline, beautifully contrasted by a sheer black silk mesh shawl (schall en filet de soie) with deep fringe borders. She wears a striking emerald green bonnet adorned with fresh flowers and a cascading lace veil. This highly targeted illustration provides premium visual data for historical costume curators, vintage print collectors, and theater designers researching European lace patterns and checkered textile history.