Two Women and a Boy – Summer 1846

1840s French Fashion Plate from Journal des Femmes

This original hand-colored fashion engraving comes from the historical Parisian publication Journal des Femmes, located at Rue Laffitte 44. The antique print depicts an elegant outdoor promenade scene featuring two aristocratic women and a young child in a countryside or garden setting. Documenting the distinct stylistic transition of the early Victorian era, this rare collectible plate provides comprehensive visual evidence of the structured crinoline foundations, elaborate lace details, and high-society family dress codes that defined mid-19th-century European elite couture.

Early Victorian Muslin Gowns, Silk Foulard Dresses, and Ribboned Straw Bonnets

The detailed historical composition highlights fine textile varieties, showcasing a lady modeling a grey striped silk foulard gown (robe en foulard rayé) paired with a purple fringed parasol. Beside her, a companion wears a light pink embroidered muslin dress (robe de mousseline brodée) accented with vibrant emerald green satin ribbons and a structured straw bonnet from the famous Maison Fléchelles. Completing the family group, the young boy stands in a bright mustard-yellow jacket with a green neck bow, striped wide-leg trousers, and a soft cap while holding a rustic wooden garden rake.