Walking Dress, Plate 33
Hand-colored fashion plate on wove paper • Published by Rudolph Ackermann at the Repository of Arts; likely engraved after a drawing by a specialized fashion illustrator constant to the publication.
Style & Movement
Regency Era / Neoclassical (Empire Style fashion)
Medium & Technique
Copper plate engraving with contemporary hand-coloring in watercolor. The technique utilizes fine line hatching and stipple and watercolor washes for the blue shawl and headdress.
Creation Period
Published June 1, 1810
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 5.5 inches (standard octavo page); vertical/portrait format.
Subject Description
A single female figure shown in three-quarter view from the back, demonstrating a high-waisted white muslin gown with decorative borders, paired with a blue shawl and a matching headpiece. The figure illustrates the 'Walking Dress' style popularized in early 19th-century London.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper remains bright with only minor age-toning and light spotting (foxing) visible along the margins.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Originally published in 'Ackermann's Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions and Politics'. Printed for No. 18 of the series.
Art Historical Significance
Ackermann's Repository was the most influential British fashion periodical of the early 19th century. It is a vital primary source for the history of costume, textile technology, and the Regency period's social history.
Notable Features
Includes original publication imprint at the bottom: 'Plate 33... N18 of ACKERMANN’S REPOSITORY of ARTS &c Pub June 1 1810 at 101 Strand London.' It depicts a transition in Regency fashion toward more structured hem decorations.
Condition Issues
Minor foxing spots in the upper right quadrant; slight evidence of previous binding along the left edge; marginal creasing at the bottom right corner.
Conservation Recommendations
Use acid-free mounting and UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the hand-colored watercolor pigments from fading.