1900s - Vintage Costume Cards - Historical Fashion Illustrations - Cultural Dress - Collectible Ephemera - Educational Prints

This lot features two exquisite vintage costume cards, likely part of an educational series detailing historical attire from different regions and periods. Each card presents a beautifully colored illustration on its front, depicting people in traditional garments, along with a French caption identifying the scene. The reverse side of each card offers a detailed historical commentary in French, providing context about the depicted costumes.

One card showcases 'ANGLETERRE. Lady et Bourgeois de Londres (XVe Siècle)' (ENGLAND. Lady and Bourgeois of London (15th Century)), with its back discussing sumptuary laws of the era: 'Elisabeth, reine d'Angleterre, ne permit pas au peuple de Londres de porter des broderies...' (Elizabeth, Queen of England, did not allow the people of London to wear embroidery...). The second card illustrates 'SUÈDE. Dalécarlieens en habits de fête (XIXe Siècle)' (SWEDEN. Dalecarlians in festive attire (19th Century)), featuring its specific cultural dress and noting: 'La Dalécarlie est une province septentrionale de la Suède, montagneuse et sauvage...' (Dalecarlia is a northern, mountainous, and wild province of Sweden...).

These charming cards offer a fascinating glimpse into historical fashion and cultural heritage.