1880s - Exquisite French Fashion Plate - Journal des Demoiselles Paris - Victorian Era Couture Illustration - Hand-Colored Print

This original hand-colored fashion plate, sourced from the renowned "Journal des Demoiselles" and "Petit Courrier des Dames Réunis," captures the elegance of Parisian couture from the 1880s. The intricate illustration features three figures: two women and a young girl, showcasing the latest Victorian era styles.

The vibrant details highlight sophisticated dresses of the period. One woman models a striking grey-blue gown with a detailed bustle and intricate embellishments, holding a delicate fan. Alongside her, another woman wears a distinctive golden-olive ensemble featuring multiple layered ruffles. A young girl, holding a doll, is dressed in a charming light blue frock.

Please note that this engraving is not in impeccable condition, please take a good look at the photos.

Dimensions: About 28 x 20 cm

Techniques of realization:
From circa 1850 to 1880, issues of Journal des Demoiselles featured elaborate fashion plates produced using traditional engraving or lithography, then hand‑colored, creating unique, richly detailed images for readers. The black‑ink outlines—often etched or engraved—were printed first, after which skilled colorists applied watercolors directly to each print.

Occasionally, simple tonal effects were added using techniques like aquatint or stipple engraving for dimension before hand‑coloring. Art historical sources confirm that these mid‑19th‑century illustrations were deliberately enhanced by artisans to showcase the latest Parisian styles with artistic refinement and individual character

Journal des Demoiselles history:
Founded in February 1833 in Paris by Jeanne‑Justine Fouqueau de Pussy, the Journal des Demoiselles was a leading French magazine aimed at teenage girls (14–18 years old), catering to middle‑ and upper‑class audiences . Initially issued in two versions—one illustrated and one text-only—it evolved by 1865 into multiple editions distinguished by color (including purple, blue, green), with a new weekly “orange” edition added in 1869 .

Targeted at young women, the journal featured a variety of content: fashion plates, literature, moral advice, theatrical reviews, and practical topics like sewing and etiquette, with limited emphasis on science or education . It absorbed other publications over its lifespan—including Petit Courrier des Dames in 1869, La Jeune Fille de Bruxelles in 1902, and La Lecture in 1913—before ceasing publication in 1922 .

The Journal des Demoiselles was highly regarded for shaping the tastes and values of young French women across nearly a century. Its beautifully presented fashion imagery and cultural features made it a fashionable household name. The variety of editions and long publication run reflect its enduring influence in 19th- and early 20th-century French society.