Fashion Plate Portrait of a Young Lady in a Boater Hat
Print on paper, likely a wood engraving or lithographic reproduction from a periodical. • Anonymous illustrator; possibly European (French or British) school specialized in fashion illustration for journals like 'The Queen' or 'Le Moniteur de la Mode'.
Style & Movement
Victorian Era / Academic Realism with a focus on high-society fashion illustration.
Medium & Technique
Wood engraving or high-quality line engraving; characterized by fine cross-hatching and stippling to create tonal variations in the fabric and hair.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1875-1890).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 inches including matte; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of a young woman in three-quarter profile wearing a highly detailed 'Chapeau' (hat) decorated with ribbons and ostrich feathers. She wears a high-collared bodice with a prominent neck bow, reflecting the modest yet ornate style of the late Victorian period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper shows mild yellowing (toning) consistent with wood-pulp paper from the late 19th century.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely extracted from a bound volume of a late-19th-century fashion magazine or 'Ladies' Journal'; modern framing indicates it was later repurposed as decorative art.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the rise of mass-mediated fashion imagery and the democratization of style in the 19th century. Such prints are valuable primary sources for the study of historical costume design and Victorian social standards of beauty.
Notable Features
Features a distinct monogram or signature at the bottom right of the lady's shoulder (near the bow), likely identifying the engraver or the publication office.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (small brown spots) on the paper, minor silvering on the glass, and slight acidity transfer from the original mounting.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-mount using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing and foxing. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.