This pair of framed French historical engravings presents four richly hand-colored engraved figures from the courtly world of 16th-century French nobility and judicial society. The figures have extraordinary presence, with large isolated compositions, portrait-like faces and gestures, extremely precise costume details, and exceptionally rich surviving color. The engravings come from the “Costumes Historiques” series of the mid-19th century, based on earlier archival sources such as the Gaignières portfolios of the late 17th century, which ground the imagery in documented historical dress.

These are original 19th-century hand-colored engravings, not modern reproductions. They were issued as part of Massard and Mifliez’s Costumes français depuis Clovis jusqu’à nos jours, an ambitious survey of French historical dress based on earlier paintings, sculpture, monuments, manuscripts, and material preserved in the celebrated Gaignières collection.

The four subjects include Françoise Robertet, dame de Rostaing; Marie Le Jars de Gournay; a Premier Président au Parlement de Paris; and a Conseiller au Parlement de Paris. The figures draw on documented historical and portrait sources rather than generalized costume types, which helps account for their immediate, portrait-like character.

Two original printed explanatory leaves from the publication are preserved on the reverse of one frame. The text for Françoise Robertet states that her figure reproduces an original portrait formerly in the gallery of the Marquis de Lavardin and cites the Gaignières portfolios as its source. The text accompanying the Premier Président likewise identifies the Gaignières portfolios as the source for the figure and describes his scarlet judicial robes, ermine, and black cap ornamented with gold.

The quality of execution is particularly fine. Transparent watercolor was carefully applied over exceptionally precise engraved line work, leaving the modeling of the faces, hair, lace, jewelry, textiles, and folds of the clothing clearly visible. Selected details are highlighted in gold, including the ornament on the judicial cap and small decorative elements. Salmon red, deep black, cream, turquoise, and gold create a remarkably rich palette while preserving the clarity of the engraving beneath.

The matching frames are an important part of the presentation. Black outer moldings frame richly stippled decorative borders in gold, cream, reddish brown, and black, finished with narrow gilt inner slips. Deep black mats intensify the engravings’ color and give the four figures a strong, unified presentation.

Dimensions: Each frame 15.25 inches wide × 13.25 inches high
Condition: Very good, with only the slightest wear consistent with age
Decoration: Richly hand-colored historical portrait and costume engravings
Technique: Engraving with watercolor and selective gold heightening
Material: Paper and wood frames
Origin: France
Date: Circa 1835