Two French Gentlemen – 1831

Discover the Tailored Elegance of 1831 Men’s Romantic Era Fashion

This authentic 1831 antique fashion plate from Costumes Parisiens captures the highly structured silhouette of gentlemen’s attire during the Romantic era. The engraving features two elegant men illustrating the pinnacle of French sartorial design from the early 1830s. The figure on the left showcases a double-breasted black frock coat, known as a redingote, paired with micro-patterned trousers, a high cravat, and a classic black top hat. The gentleman on the right, viewed from behind, displays a vibrant blue tailcoat with a nipped waist, pleated tails, light gray trousers, and a matching top hat, emphasizing the dramatic proportions of the period’s tailoring.

Historical Insight into Costumes Parisiens and French Costume Plates

As an original Parisian print (Plate number 2920), this collectible artwork documents the premium craftsmanship of early 19th-century French tailoring ateliers. The text at the bottom references a redingote and an English-style coat from the workshops of M. Uhlendorff on Rue de Grammont, alongside a decorative cane stand from M. Vervelle on Rue Neuve de Montmorency. This hand-colored lithograph serves as an invaluable primary reference for costume historians, theatrical designers, and antique print collectors studying the evolution of nineteenth-century men’s formal wear and historical accessories.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges