1888 Chromolithograph French Directory Merveilleuse Incroyable Jobber LCH5

This is a rare original 1888 color chromolithograph which depicts several different scenes from the late 18th century in France, during the Directory Period. Fashions had changed, with the middle class coming into their own and the nouveux-riches exploring stylistic avenues previously closed to them. For most women, loose, draping dresses were in vogue, a contrast to the frou-frou styles of Marie Antoinette and the French court which was greatly inspired by the archeological discoveries of the classical world. However, as in most societies, there were those who reveled in their newfound freedoms to an extreme. They were the remainders of the aristocratic world who had survived the guillotine, although most had lost loved ones during the Reign of Terror. Women known as Merveilleuses (Marvelous Ones) would wear dresses of the sheerest fabrics, wore wigs in blonde (previously forbidden), blue, green, and other fantastic colors; their male counterparts, the Incroyables (Incredible Ones), wore large earrings, absurd clothing, and often wore their hair pulled back in the styles of the condemned. Perfume was also used excessively by both sexes.

Key Elements

Top (Left to right panel) - A conservative couple dances the waltz, a dance freshly arrived from Germany, while an intoxicated musician plays his violin for them - Merveilleuse, holding up the long trains of their gowns.

Bottom (Left to right panel) - Incroyables - Croyables (literally, Believable), jobbers bent on making money from stocks and currency exchange, bargaining with a young man.

CONDITION

This 123+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Chromolithograph; Color
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 x 13.5 inches; 25 x 34 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper has obtained an extraordinary, ultra-rare collection of original color and chromolithographs, which capture a myriad of ancient cultures and costumes from around the world. Virtually unseen individually, and from perhaps the most coveted portfolio of costumes from the 19th century, these historically important elephant folio-sized chromolithographs depict a myriad of costumes that capture fashions, fads and traditional outfits, as well as the beautiful jewelry work of almost every major European society throughout the last few centuries. Featured in these regions include, Basque, Scotland, Brittany, Moscow, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, England and Holland; there are beautiful illustrations for all, each more unique than the next.

The originals offered are from the first edition of RacinetÕs masterwork on costumes of the world. Many have been heightened in gold and silver. The full color chromolithographs are some of the most spectacular we have procured. The duotone chromolithographs are stunning and impeccably preserved. Each piece from the collection is in museum-quality condition.

Keywords specific to this image: historical, stockjobber, rigger, tripoteur, style, dancing, instrument, French Revolution, clothing

LCH5C88