Two French Gentleman – 1831

1830s Romantic Era Men’s Fashion Plate from Petit Courrier des Dames

This rare, hand-colored French engraving from April 25, 1831 (Plate No. 801) originates from the historical Parisian journal Petit Courrier des Dames, located at Boulevard des Italiens No. 2, near the Passage de l’Opéra. The antique print provides a dual-angle uniform study of elite menswear during the early July Monarchy. Capturing the signature hourglass tailoring of the post-Napoleonic Romantic era, this collectible artwork documents the rigid social dress codes, structural silhouettes, and luxury Parisian textile markets catered to high-society gentlemen.

French Bourgeois Dandyism, Gold-Braided Vests, and Tailcoats

The detailed historical illustration features a prominent close-up study of an elegant dandy alongside a rear-profile view of his companion. The foreground figure models a structured, dark slate-blue velvet-collared habit (tailcoat) with exaggerated shoulders, wide lapels, an immaculate white waistcoat decorated with horizontal gold-braided lacing (tresses d’or), and contrasting high-waisted cream trousers. Completed with a dark silk cravat, a polished black top hat, a red lapel boutonniere, and a thin dress cane, this vintage engraving serves as an exceptional visual archive for early 19th-century costume designers.